Manganese based complexes and uses thereof for homogeneous catalysis

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel manganese complexes and their use, inter alia, for homogeneous catalysis in (1) the preparation of imine by dehydrogenative coupling of an alcohol and amine; (2) C—C coupling in Michael addition reaction using nitriles as Michael donors; (3) dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols to give esters and hydrogen gas (4) hydrogenation of esters to form alcohols (including hydrogenation of cyclic esters (lactones) or cyclic di-esters (di-lactones), or polyesters); (5) hydrogenation of amides (including cyclic dipeptides, lactams, diamide, polypeptides and polyamides) to alcohols and amines (or diamine); (6) hydrogenation of organic carbonates (including polycarbonates) to alcohols or hydrogenation of carbamates (including polycarbamates) or urea derivatives to alcohols and amines; (7) dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols to ketones; (8) amidation of esters (i.e., synthesis of amides from esters and amines); (9) acylation of alcohols using esters; (10) coupling of alcohols with water and a base to form carboxylic acids; and (11) preparation of amino acids or their salts by coupling of amino alcohols with water and a hydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines; (13) preparation of imides from diols.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase Application of PCT International Application No. PCT/IL2017/050152, International Filing Date Feb. 8, 2017, claiming priority from IL Patent Application No. 244052, filed Feb. 9, 2016, and from United-States provisional Application No. 62/409,392 filed Oct. 18, 2016 which are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirely.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel manganese complexes and their use, inter alia, for homogeneous catalysis in (1) the preparation of imine by dehydrogenative coupling of an alcohol and amine; (2) C—C coupling in Michael addition reaction using nitriles as Michael donors; (3) dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols to give esters and hydrogen gas (4) hydrogenation of esters to form alcohols (including hydrogenation of cyclic esters (lactones) or cyclic di-esters (di-lactones), or polyesters); (5) hydrogenation of amides (including cyclic dipeptides, diamide, lactams, polypeptides and polyamides) to alcohols and amines (or diamine); (6) hydrogenation of organic carbonates (including polycarbonates) to alcohols or hydrogenation of carbamates (including polycarbamates) or urea derivatives to alcohols and amines; (7) dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols to ketones; (8) amidation of esters (i.e., synthesis of amides from esters and amines); (9) acylation of alcohols using esters; (10) coupling of alcohols with water and a base to form carboxylic acids; (11) preparation of amino acids or their salts by coupling of amino alcohols with water and a base; and (12) preparation of amides (including formamides, cyclic dipeptides, diamide, lactams, polypeptides and polyamides) by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines (13) preparation of imides from diols.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Manganese is one of the most abundant transition metals on earth crust, second only to iron and titanium and is much more appealing and biocompatible^([1]) when considering a system for eventual scale-up and industrial use. In contrast to the development of several homogenous catalysts based on iron^([2]) and cobalt^([3, 4, 5]) systems, homogeneous manganese-based systems are less exploited.^([6]) In general, well-defined pincer complexes of Mn are scarce. Reports comprise Mn(I) PNP compounds published by Nocera and Ozerov,^([7]) a Mn(II) center with pyridine-based NNN-pincer motif bearing two pyrazole ‘arms’.^([8]) and Mn-PDI (PDI=2,6-bisimino pyridine) species were described by Chirik and co-workers.^([9]) There is a strong current interest in replacement of expensive noble metal catalysts by more economical, environmentally friendly alternatives.

Catalytic dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines to form imines represents an environmentally benign methodology in organic chemistry. This has been accomplished in recent years mainly with precious-metal-based catalysts. A major goal in homogeneous catalysis is the replacement of typical noble-metal mediated chemistry with inexpensive and earth-abundant metals.

Imines and their derivatives are important synthetic intermediates because of their diverse reactivity. As a result, they have been extensively utilized for the synthesis of dyes, fragrances, fungicides, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals.^([10]) Moreover, imines also serve as common ligands in coordination chemistry. Conventionally, imines are synthesized by the condensation reaction of aldehydes or ketones with amines in the presence of an acid catalyst. However, it is desirable to obtain imines by an acid free pathway. Recently, versatile alternative methods have been reported, such as oxidation of secondary amines,^([11]) self-condensation of primary amines upon oxidation,^([12]) oxidative coupling of alcohols and amines,^([13]) hydroamination of alkynes with amines,^([14]) and the partial hydrogenation of nitriles followed by coupling with the amines^([15]). Self-coupling of amines involves use of stoichiometric O₂ atmosphere as an oxidant and the products are always limited to symmetric imines. Alternatively, the direct dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines is one of the most promising approaches and “green” pathways to synthesize imines, since alcohols are readily available through a variety of industrial processes and can be obtained renewably via fermentation or catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass^([6]). Moreover, only hydrogen and water are produced as by-products in this pathway. An acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines to synthesize imines catalyzed by a ruthenium pincer complex was reported.^([17]) Since then, this field has progressed rapidly and several catalytic systems for such transformation have been developed, mainly with precious metals.^([18])

Conjugate addition reactions are fundamental C—C bond formation reactions in organic chemistry.^([19]) For instance, the Michael addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to activated olefins is regarded as one of the most important C—C coupling reaction in organic synthesis.^([20]) However, such Michael reactions require the application of strong bases, which may not be compatible with various functional groups and can lead to undesired side reactions. Transition metal catalyzed Michael-type reactions, that can operate under mild and neutral conditions and exhibit superior chemoselectivity, have been reported.^([20, 21])

Nitriles are important functional groups in organic synthesis due to their facile transformation into various functional groups. Furthermore, nitriles themselves are important constituents of modern pharmaceuticals. Common protocols for conjugate addition reactions involving nitriles make use of activated nitriles with acidic α-protons (e.g. malononitriles, benzyl cyanide, ethyl cyanoacetates, cyanoacetamides and the like). The same applies for previously reported transition metal catalyzed Michael addition reactions, therefore significantly limiting the substrate scope. The reaction usually involves C—H activation at the α-carbon at the metal center to generate the Michael donor moieties (i.e. metal stabilized carbanions).^([22-27])

Non activated aliphatic nitriles have also been used in transition metal catalyzed C—C bond forming reactions. However, due to the low acidity of the α-protons of aliphatic nitriles, no conjugate addition of nitriles to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds has been achieved so far.^([28])

A dearomatized rhenium complex was used as a catalyst, (FIG. 6 ). The rhenium complex catalyzed conjugate addition was limited to benzylic nitriles.^([29])

REFERENCES

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

-   [1] C. Kies, Nutritional Bioavailability of Manganese; ACS Symposium     Series, 1987. -   [2] Selected examples: a) D. Srimani, Y. Diskin-Posner, Y.     Ben-David, D. Milstein, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 14131;     Angew. Chem. 2013, 125, 14381; b) R. Langer, G. Leitus, Y.     Ben-David, D. Milstein, Angew. Chem. 2011, 123, 2168; Angew. Chem.     Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 2120; c) R. Langer, Y. Diskin-Posner, G.     Leitus, L. J. W. Shimon, Y. Ben-David, D. Milstein, Angew. Chem.     2011, 123, 10122; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 9948; d) T.     Zell, Y. Ben-David, D. Milstein, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53,     4685; Angew. Chem. 2014, 126, 4773; e) T. Zell, Y. Ben-David, D.     Milstein, Catal. Sci. Technol 2015, 5, 822; f) S. Werkmeister, K.     Junge, B. Wendt, E. Alberico, H. Jiao, W. Baumann, H. Junge, F.     Gallou, M Beller, Angew. Chem. 2014, 126, 8722; Angew. Chem. Int.     Ed. 2014, 53, 8722; g) S. Chakraborty, H. Dai, P.     Bhattacharya, N. T. Fairweather, M. S. Gibson, J. A. Krause, H.     Guan, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 7869; h) C. Bornschein, S.     Werkmeister, B. Wendt, H. Jiao, E. Alberico, W. Baumann, H.     Junge, K. Junge, M. Beller, Nat. Commun. 2014, 5, 4111; i) Zell, T.;     Milstein, D. Acc. Chem. Res. 2015, 48, 1979. -   [3] a) T. Yan, B. L. Feringa, K. Barta Nat. Commun. 2014, 5,     5602; b) S. Rösler, M. Ertl, T. Irrgang, R. Kempe, Angew. Chem. Int.     Ed. 2015, 54, 15046. -   [4] a) S. Rösler, J. Obenauf, R. Kempe, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137,     7998; b) P. J. Chirik, Acc. Chem. Res. 2015, 48, 1687; c) M. R.     Friedfeld, G. W. Margulieux, B. A. Schaefer, P. J. Chirik, J. Am.     Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 13178; d) T.-P. Lin, J. C. Peters, J. Am.     Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 13672; e) T.-P. Lin, J. C. Peters, J. Am.     Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 15310; f) S. Monfette, Z. R. Turner, S. P.     Semproni, P. J. Chirik, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 4561; g) Q.     Knijnenburg, A. D. Horton, H. van der Heijden, T. M.     Kooistra, D. G. H. Hetterscheid, J. M. M. Smits, B. de     Bruin, P. H. M. Budzelaar, A. W. Gal, J. Mol. Catal. A 2005, 232,     151; h) D. Grtner, A. Welther, B. R. Rad, R. Wolf, A. J. von     Wangelin, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 3722; i) G. Zhang, K. V.     Vasudevan, B. L. Scott, S. K. Hanson, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135,     8668; j) G. Zhang, B. L. Scott, S. K. Hanson, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.     2012, 51, 12102; k) G. Zhang, S. K. Hanson, Chem. Commun. 2013, 49,     10151; 1) G. Zhang, S. K. Hanson, Org. Lett. 2013, 15, 650. -   [5] a) A. Mukherjee, D. Srimani, S. Chakraborty, Y. Ben-David, D.     Milstein, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 8888; b) D. Srimani, A.     Mukherjee, A. F. Goldberg, G. Leitus, Y. Diskin Posner, L. J.     Shimon, Y. Ben-David, D. Milstein, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54,     12357. -   [6] Selected examples: a) M. D. Sampson, An D. Nguyen, K. A.     Grice, C. E. Moore, A. L. Rheingold, C. P. Kubiak, J. Am. Chem. Soc.     2014, 136, 5460; b) X. Huang, T. M. Bergsten, J. T. Groves, J. Am.     Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 5300; c) W. Liu, J. Bang, Y. Zhang, L.     Ackermann, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 14137; d) W. Liu, J. T.     Groves, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 6024; e) W. Zhang, J. L.     Loebach, S. R. Wilson, E. N. Jacobsen J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1990, 112,     2801; f) T. P. Yoon, E. N. Jacobsen Science 2003, 299,     1691; g) E. B. Hulley, N. Kumar, S. Raugei, R. M. Bullock ACS Catal.     2015, 5, 6838; h) R. He, Z.-T. Huang, Q.-Y. Zheng, C. Wang Angew.     Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 4950; i) R. Ren, H. Zhao, L. Huan, C. Zhu     Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 12692; j) S. M. Paradine, J. R.     Griffin, J. Zhao, A. L. Petronico, S. M. Miller, M. C. White Nat.     Chem. 2015, 7, 987. -   [7] Radosevich, A. T.; Melnick, J. G.; Stoian, S. A.; Bacciu, D.;     Chen, C.-H.; Foxman, B. M.; Ozerov, O. V.; Nocera, D. G. Inorg.     Chem. 2009, 48, 9214. -   [8] Umehara, K.; Kuwata, S.; Ikariya, T. InorgChim Act. 2014, 413,     136. -   [9] Russell, S. K.; Bowman, A. C.; Lobkovsky, E.; Wieghardt, K.;     Chirik, P. J. Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2012, 3, 535. -   [10] a) D. J. Hadjipavlou-Litina, A. A. Geronikaki, Drug Des Discov.     1998, 15, 199; J. P. Adams J Chem Soc Perkin Trans. 1 2000, 2,     125; Z. Rappoport, J. F. Liebman The Chemistry of Hydroxylamines,     Oximes and Hydroxamic Acids. New York: Wiley, 2009, 609. -   [11] a) A. H. El, J. S. M. Samec, C. Brasse, J.-E. Bäckvall, Chem.     Commun. 2002, 1144; b) M. Largeron, A. Chiaroni, M.-B. Fleury, Chem.     Eur. J. 2008, 14, 996; c) J. S. M. Samec, A. H. Ell, J.-E. Bäckvall,     Chem. Eur. J. 2005, 11, 2327; e) G. Jiang, J. Chen, J.-S. Huang,     C.-M. Che, Org. Lett. 2009, 11, 4568; f) X.-Q. Gu, W. Chen, D.     Morales-Morales, C. M. Jensen, J. Mol. Catal. A 2002, 189,     119; g) K. Yamaguchi, N. Mizuno, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2003, 42,     1480; h) T. Sonobe, K. Oisaki, M. Kanai, Chem. Sci. 2012, 3,     3249; i) H. Yuan, W.-J. Yoo, H. Miyamura, S. Kobayashi J. Am. Chem.     Soc. 2012, 134, 13970. J. W. Grate, G. C. Frye in Sensors Update,     Vol. 2 (Eds.: H. Baltes, W. Göpel, J. Hesse), Wiley-VCH, Weinheim,     1996, pp. 10-20. -   [12] a) F. Su, S. C. Mathew, L. Mohlmann, M. Antonietti, X. Wang, S.     Blechert, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 657; b) B. Chen, L.     Wang, W. Dai, S. Shang, Y. Lv, S. Gao, ACS Catal. 2015, 5,     2788; c) B. Chen, L. Wang, S. Gao, ACS Catal. 2015, 5, 5851. -   [13] a) L. Blackburn, R. J. K. Taylor, Org. Lett. 2001, 3,     1637; b) M. Tamura, K. Tomishige, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53,     864. -   [14] a) F. Pohlki, S. Doye, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2001, 40,     2305; b) J. S. Johnson, R. G. Bergman, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123,     2923; c) Y. Li, Y. Shi, A. L. Odom, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126,     1794. -   [15] a) D. Srimani; M. Feller, Y. Ben-David, D. Milstein Chem.     Commun. 2012, 48, 11853; b) S. Chakraborty, H. Berke, ACS Catal.     2014, 4, 2191. -   [16] K. Barta, P. C. Ford, Acc. Chem Res. 2014, 47, 1503. -   [17] B. Gnanaprakasam, J. Zhang, D. Milstein, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.     2010, 49, 1468. -   [18] Selected examples: a) B. Saha, S. M. W. Rahaman, P. Daw, G.     Sengupta, J. K. Bera, Chem. Eur. J. 2014, 20, 6542; b) J. Bain, P.     Cho, A. Voutchkova-Kostal, Green Chem. 2015, 17, 2271; c) F.     Hasanayn, H. Harb, Inorg. Chem. 2014, 53, 8334; c) Nathan J.     Oldenhuis, Vy M. Dong, Zhibin Guan, Tetrahedron, 2014, 70, 27; d) S.     Ruch, T. Irrgang, R. Kempe, Chem. Eur. J., 2014, 20, 41; e) D.     Srimani, Y. Ben-David, D. Milstein, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2013, 52,     14; f) A. Maggi, R. Madsen, Organometallics, 2012, 31, 451; g) G.     Zeng, S. Li, Inorg. Chem., 2011, 50, 10572. -   [19] Perlmutter, P.; Baldwin, J. E. Conjugate Addition Reactions in     Organic Synthesis; Elsevier Science, 2013. -   [20] Christoffers, J. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 1998, 1998, 1259. -   [21] Comelles, J.; Moreno-Mañas, M.; Vallribera, A. Arkivoc. 2005,     207. -   [22] Takaya, H.; Ito, M.; Murahashi, S.-I. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009,     131, 10824. -   [23] Fleming, F. F.; Vu, V. A.; Shook, B. C.; Rahman, M.;     Steward, O. W. J. Org. Chem. 2007, 72, 1431. -   [24] Murahashi, S.-I.; Naota, T.; Taki, H.; Mizuno, M.; Takaya, H.;     Komiya, S.; Mizuho, Y.; Oyasato, N.; Hiraoka, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc.     1995, 117, 12436. -   [25] Naota, T.; Tannna, A.; Murahashi, S.-I. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000,     122, 2960. -   [26] Aydin, J.; Conrad, C. S.; Szabó, K. J. Org. Lett. 2008, 10,     5175. -   [27] Naota, T.; Taki, H.; Mizuno, M.; Murahashi, S. J. Am. Chem.     Soc. 1989, 111, 5954. -   [28] Lopez, R.; Palomo, C. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 2. -   [29] Vogt, M.; Nerush, A.; Iron, M. A.; Leitus, G.; Diskin-Posner,     Y.; Shimon, L. J. W.; Ben-David, Y.; Milstein, D. J. Am. Chem. Soc.     2013, 135, 17004.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula I, IA, IB, IC or their isomers or salts thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺,         NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ or RS; and     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge;     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety, or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring.     -   R, R^(a) R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 1:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 2:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 7. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula I in the solid state is a dimer of formula 7:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 6A′:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 6B:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula VI, VIA, VIB, VIC or their isomers or salts thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO,         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of, CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ or RS;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge;     -   R, R^(a) R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 18:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 19:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 20:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 21:

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for preparing an imine by dehydrogenative coupling of an alcohol of the formula RCH₂OH and an amine of the formula R₁NH₂:

wherein, R is an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; R¹ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; wherein said process comprising the step of reacting said alcohol and said amine in the presence of the manganese complex of this invention. In another embodiment, if complex IA or IB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for preparing an imine by dehydrogenative coupling of an alcohol of the formula RCH₂OH and an amine of the formula R¹NH₂:

wherein R is, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; R¹ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; wherein said method comprising the step of reacting said alcohol and said amine in the presence of a catalytic amount of the manganese complex of formula I, IA, IB or IC; wherein said complex reacts in the catalytic cycle with said alcohol to obtain the intermediate complex of formula IIIA or IIIB:

which is further reacted with said amine and thereby generating an imine,

wherein Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and L¹, L², L³, L⁴ and Z are as defined for the structures of formula I, IA, or IB; wherein if complex IA or IB is used as a catalyst an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for C—C bond formation via Michael addition of unactivated nitriles of the formula R²CH₂CN wherein R² is H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl;

wherein said process comprises reacting an unactivated nitrile of formula R²CH₂CN and a Michael acceptor in the presence of the manganese complex of this invention thereby generating a new C—C bond. In another embodiment, if complex IA or IB is used as a catalyst an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for C—C bond formation via Michael addition of unactivated nitriles of the formula R²CH₂CN wherein R² is H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl;

wherein said process comprises reacting an unactivated nitrile of formula R²CH₂CN and a Michael acceptor in the presence of the manganese complex of formula I, IA, IB or IC; wherein said catalyst of formula of formula I IA IB or IC reacts with said nitrile to obtain the complex of formula IVA or IVB:

which is further reacted with said Michael acceptor and thereby generating a new C—C bond; wherein Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; L¹, L², L³, L⁴ and Z are as defined for the structures of formula I, IA, IB or IC; wherein if complex IA or IB is used an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a process for C—C bond formation via Michael addition; wherein said process comprises reacting an unactivated nitriles of the formula R²CH₂CN and a Michael acceptor of formula R³C(R⁴)═C(R⁵)EWG:

wherein R² is H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl; and R³, R⁴, R⁵ are each independently selected from H, nsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy (O-alkyl), aryloxy (O-aryl), aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl or R³ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring; or R₄ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring; or R₃ and R₄ form a cyclic ring; wherein EWG is an electron withdrawing group comprising C(═O)R, C(═O)OR′, SO₂R′, CON(R)₂, NO₂ or CN, wherein R is H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl; and R′ is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl

In another embodiment, if complex IA or IB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, the manganese complex of formula I, IA IB or IC is a catalyst. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula IA IB or IC is a precursor of the complex of formula I. In one embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula IA or IB in the present of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula I.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for hydrogenation of an ester to an alcohol wherein said process comprises reacting an ester, and a complex of this invention, in the presence of hydrogen; wherein said complex reacts with said ester to obtain an alcohol wherein if a manganese complex of formula IA, IB, VIA or VIB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for hydrogenation of an ester to an alcohol wherein said process comprises reacting an ester of formula R⁷C(O)OR⁸, and a complex of this invention, in the presence of hydrogen; wherein said complex reacts with said ester to obtain an alcohol R⁷CH²OH:

wherein R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; and R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for the preparation of esters by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols, said process comprises reacting an alcohol, and a complex of this invention wherein said complex reacts with said alcohol to obtain an ester wherein if a manganese complex of formula IA, IB, VIA or VIB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for the preparation of amides by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines, said process comprises reacting an alcohol and an amine, in the presence of a complex of this invention; to obtain an amide wherein if a manganese complex of formula IA, IB, VIA or VIB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for the preparation of amides comprising reacting an ester and an amine, in the presence of a complex of this invention; to obtain an amide wherein if a manganese complex of formula IA, IB, VIA or VIB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for preparing formamides by dehydrogenative coupling of methanol and amine of formula R²⁷R^(27′)NH:

wherein R²⁷ and R^(27′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted, saturated or unsaturated: alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; wherein said process comprising the step of reacting said methanol and said amine in the presence of the manganese complex of formula VI, VIA, VIB, or VIC thereby generating an amide; wherein if a manganese complex of formula VIA or VIB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is added; wherein if a manganese complex of formula VI or VIC is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts the molecular structure of manganese complex 7 with thermal ellipsoids set at 50% probability. Hydrogen atoms were omitted for calrity and the P(^(t)Bu)₂ groups are drawn as wire frames. Selected bond lengths [Å] and angles [°] of 2: Mn1-P1 2.302(13), Mn1-P2 2.309(12), Mn2-P3 2.289(5), Mn2-P4 2.297(5), Mn1-N3 1.939(4), Mn2-N4 1.940(2); N3-N4 1.1140; P1-Mn1-P2 163.15(5), P3-Mn2-P4 164.11(4), N1-Mn1-C21 177.93(4), N2-Mn2-C42 178.01(4), Mn1-N3-N4 175.81(4), Mn2-N4-N3 177.74(17); N3-Mn1-C20 176.02(17); N4-Mn2-C41 176.61(17).

FIG. 2 depicts an ORTEP diagram of [Mn(PNP^(tBu2)*(CO)₂] (2) with thermal ellipsoids at 30% probability. The P(^(t)Bu)₂ groups are drawn as wire frames, and hydrogen atoms are partially omitted for clarity. Selected bond lengths: C1-C2=1.369(3) Å, C2-C3=1.449(3) Å, C3-C4=1.348(3) Å, C4-C5=1.407(3) Å, C5-C6=1.373(3) Å, C6-C7=1.498(3) Å, Mn1-N1=2.0333(16) Å, Mn1-P1=2.2950(7) Å, Mn1-P2=2.3117(7) Å, Mn1-C24=1.744(2) Å, Mn1-C25=1.768(2) Å, C24-O1=1.168(2) Å, C25-O2=1.171(2) Å.

FIG. 3 is a schematic synthesis of the manganese complex 2.[P=^(t)Bu₂P].

FIG. 4 depicts proposed mechanism for the formation of imine.

FIG. 5A-5C depict the molecular structures of complexes 9, 10, and 11 (which are intermediates in the cycle presented in FIG. 4 ) with thermal ellipsoids set at 50% probability. Hydrogen atoms were omitted for calrity, except the Mn—H in structure 11. The P(^(t)Bu)₂ groups are drawn as wire frames. FIG. 5A presents the molecular structure of complex 9. FIG. 5B presents the molecular structure of complex 10. FIG. 5C presents the molecular structure of complex 11.

FIG. 6 is a schematic synthesis of Michael addition reaction: rhenium complex catalyzes conjugate addition of nitriles (where R is aryl) (up) and a manganese complex (2) catalyzes conjugate addition of nitriles (where R is aryl or aliphatic group such as alkyl) (down) to Michael acceptors.

FIG. 7 depicts a selected part of ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra of complex 2 with benzyl alcohol over different time interval: A) complex 2 in C₆D₆; B) Complex 2 in neat benzyl alcohol; C) after 20 min of addition; D) after 60 min of addition; E) after 120 min of addition; F) complexes 10 and 11 independently dissolved in benzyl alcohol.

FIG. 8 depicts an ORTEP diagram of [Mn(PNP^(tBu2)—HNCH═CHPh)(CO)₂]×THF (complex 12) with thermal ellipsoids at 30% probability. The co-crystallized THF solvent molecule is omitted. The P(tert-butyl)₂ groups are drawn as wire frames, and hydrogen atoms are partially omitted for clarity. Selected bond lengths: C1-C2=1.502(3) Å, C2-C3=1.385(3)Å, C3-C4=1.387(3) Å, C4-C5=1.375(3) Å, C5-C6=1.390(3)Å, C6-C7=1.499(3) Å, C7-C26=1.540(3) Å, C26-C27=1.383(3)Å, C27-C28=1.446(3) Å, C26-N2=1.345(2) Å, Mn1-N1=2.0519(16) Å, Mn1-N2=2.058(2) Å, Mn1-P1=2.3241(7) Å, Mn1-P2=2.3254(8) Å, Mn1-C24=1.766(2) Å, Mn1-C25=1.780(2) Å, C24-O1=1.173(3) Å, C25-O2=1.167(2) Å.

FIG. 9 depicts variable temperature ³¹P{¹H} NMR of complex 1.

FIG. 10 depicts a ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra of the reaction of complex 12 with 1 atm of CO gas in C₆D₆ at ambient temperature. Compound 12 (top); after addition of CO, 10 min (middle); after addition of CO to complex 12, after 1 h (bottom).

FIG. 11 depicts a ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra at variable temperatures of complex 2 in n-pentane and 12 equivalents of propionitrile.

FIG. 8 is a schematic reversible binding of benzyl cyanide to complex 2. P=^(t)Bu₂P

FIG. 12 depicts a ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra at variable temperatures of complex 2 in neat propionitrile. Assignment: (*)=complex 2; (+)=complex 14; (%)=complex 15.

FIG. 13 presents a solvent screening of catalytic Michael addition using complex 2 of propiononitrile to ethyl acrylate in different solvents. Conversion based on NMR integration relative to a standard (toluene for n-pentane, DCM, and THF, and dioxane for the experiment performed in benzene).

FIG. 14 presents a pathway for the formation of 14. Free Energies with respect to the catalyst and the separated reactants calculated at the TPSS-D3BJ/def2-TZVP//BP86-D3/def2-SV(P) level of theory are given in brackets.

FIG. 15 presents a pathways for the tautomerization of 14. Free Energies with respect to 2 and the separated reactants calculated at the TPSS-D3BJ/def2-TZVP//BP86-D3/def2-SV(P) level of theory are given in brackets

FIG. 16 presents a pathway for the product formation starting from the enamido complex 15. For the intermediates N and O and the transition states TS6 and TS7 the new formed carbon-carbon bond is shown in the newman projection. Free Energies with respect to 2 and the separated reactants calculated at the TPSS-D3BJ/def2-TZVP//BP86-D3/def2-SV(P) level of theory are given in brackets.

FIG. 17 depicts a simplified catalytic cycle for the conjugate addition of aliphatic nitriles to Michael acceptors catalyzed by 2.

FIG. 18 depicts ORTEP diagrams of [Mn(PNN)(CO)₂] (6A′) (PNN is an anionic deprotonated PNNH ligand) with thermal ellipsoids at 500 probability and of [Mn(PNNH)(CO)₂Br] (6B). The P(^(t)Bu)₂ and N Bu groups are drawn as wire frames, and the hydrogen atoms are partially omitted for clarity. Selected bond lengths and angles are presented in Example 15.

FIG. 19 depicts ¹H NMR chemical shifts of the NOE correlations observed under selective irradiation of the hydride resonance for 16 and 17.

FIG. 20 depicts ORTEP diagram of [Mn(PNN*(CO)₂] (4) (PNN* is a dearomatized PNN ligand) with thermal ellipsoids at 50% probability. The P(^(t)Bu)₂ and N(Et)₂ groups are drawn as wire frames, and the hydrogen atoms are partially omitted for clarity. Selected bond lengths and angles are presented in Example 20.

FIG. 21 depicts ORTEP diagrams of Mn(iPr-PN^(H)P)(CO)₂Br complex 19 with thermal ellipsoids at 50% probability. The P(iPr)₂ groups are drawn as wire frames, and the hydrogen atoms are partially omitted for clarity. Selected bond lengths and angles are presented in Example 21.

FIG. 22 depicts ORTEP diagrams of (iPr-PNP)Mn(CO)₂ complex 18 with thermal ellipsoids at 50% probability. The P(iPr)₂ groups are drawn as wire frames, and the hydrogen atoms are partially omitted for clarity. Selected bond lengths and angles are presented in Example 23.

FIG. 23 depicts ORTEP diagrams of (iPr-PN^(H)P)Mn(CO)₂ complex 21 with thermal ellipsoids at 50% probability. The P(iPr)₂ groups are drawn as wire frames, and the hydrogen atoms are partially omitted for clarity. Selected bond lengths and angles are presented in Example 24.

FIG. 24 depicts variable temperature ¹H NMR spectra of the reaction of the amido complex 18 and 1 equiv. methanol in toluene-d₈ (500 MHz).

FIG. 25 depicts Variable temperature ²H NMR spectra of the reaction of the amido complex 18 and 1 equiv. methanol in toluene (61.5 MHz).

FIG. 26 depicts ³¹P{¹H}NMR (202 MHz) spectrum of the reaction of amido complex 18 and 1 equiv. methanol in toluene-d₈ at −30° C. Signals at 57 and 88 ppm correspond to the methoxy complex 22. Signals at δ=91, 103, 114 and 115 ppm correspond to complex 21 and 20.

FIG. 27 depicts reactivity of complexes 19 and 20.

FIG. 28 presents plausible mechanism for the acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of methanol and amines. ΔG_(vib+rot) values calculated at the SMD(MeOH)-TPSS-D3BJ/def2-TZVPP//BP86-D3/def2-SV(P) level of theory are given in square brackets. The transition state TS_(23/20) is shown as inset.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

In one embodiment this invention is directed to manganese based complexes and the use of such complexes for, inter alia, (1) the preparation of imine by dehydrogenative coupling of an alcohol and amine; (2) C—C coupling in Michael addition reaction using nitriles as Michael donors; (3) dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols to give esters and hydrogen gas (4) hydrogenation of esters to form alcohols (including hydrogenation of cyclic esters (lactones) or cyclic di-esters (di-lactones), or polyesters); (5) hydrogenation of amides (including cyclic dipeptides, lactams, diamide, polypeptides and polyamides) to alcohols and amines (or diamine); (6) hydrogenation of organic carbonates (including polycarbonates) to alcohols or hydrogenation of carbamates (including polycarbamates) or urea derivatives to alcohols and amines; (7) dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols to ketones; (8) amidation of esters (i.e., synthesis of amides from esters and amines); (9) acylation of alcohols using esters; (10) coupling of alcohols with water and a base to form carboxylic acids; (11) preparation of amino acids or their salts by coupling of amino alcohols with water and a base; (12) preparation of amides (including cyclic dipeptides, diamide, lactams, polypeptides and polyamides) by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines.

Manganese Complexes

The complexes described herein function as catalysts in the processes described hereinbelow, and are based on abundant, environmentally friendly and inexpensive manganese.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formula I or its isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected, from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺,         NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   L⁵ is a absent or mono-dentate two-electron donor selected, from         the group consisting of CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halogen, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety     -   R, R^(a) R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the oxidation state of the manganese in the complex of formula I is Mn(I). In one embodiment, if L³, L⁴ or L⁵ is H, then the dearomatised manganese complex I is anionic and may be in equilibrium with the aromatic anionic complex resulting from proton migration to the “arm”, forming a Mn(−1) oxidation state:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formula IA, or its isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺,         NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   L⁵ is a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from the group         consisting of CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)),         NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   R, R^(a) R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the oxidation state of the manganese complex of formula IA is Mn(I). In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula IA is a precursor of the complex of formula I.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a precursor of the manganese complex of formula IB, or its isomer or salt thereof

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴ form together         with the Mn a ring;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ and RS;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   R, R^(a) R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the oxidation state of the manganese in the precursor complex of formula IB is Mn(I). In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula IB is a precursor of the complex of formula I.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a precursor of the manganese complex of formula IC, or its isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺,         NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ and RS;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge;     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   R, R^(a) R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula I(1), IA(1), IB(1), IC(1) or their isomers or salts thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR³), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ and RS;     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   R, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula IA(1), IB(1) or IC(I) is a precursor of the complex of formula I(1). In one embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula IA(1) or IB(1) in the present of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula I(1).

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula I(2), IA(2), IB(2), IC(2) or their isomers or salts thereof.

-   -   wherein     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of, CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ and RS;     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge; and     -   R, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula IA(2), IB(2) or IC(2) is a precursor of the complex of formula I(2). In one embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula IA(2) or IB(2) in the present of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula I(2).

In one embodiment, this invention provides a manganese complex represented by the following structures:

Complex I Complex/Precursor IA Complex/Precursor IB

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of formula 7. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula 1 in the solid state is a dimer of formula 7:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formula II, IIA, IIB, IIC or its isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺,         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of, CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   X is an anionic compound, such as halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃,         OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂ and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄,         B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ or RS;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge;     -   R, R^(a) R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R_(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the manganese complex of formula II, IIA, IIB or IIC is a catalyst. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula IIA, IIB or IIC is a precursor of the complex of formula II. In one embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula IIA, or IIB in the present of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula II. In another embodiment, if complex IIA or IIB is used as a catalyst in the processes or methods of this invention, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formula II(1), or its isomer or salt thereof.

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of, CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ or RS;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge;     -   R, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the manganese complex of formula II(1), IIA(I), IIB(I) or IIC(I) is a catalyst. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula IIA(1) IIB(1) or IIC(1) is a precursor of the complex of formula II(1). In one embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula IIA(1) or IIB(1) in the present of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula II(1). In another embodiment, if complex IIA(1) or IIB(1) as a catalyst is used in the processes or methods of this invention, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formula II(2), or its isomer or salt thereof;

-   -   wherein     -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC),         N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   R, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F⁵)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ and RS; 1Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl,         heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge.

In one embodiment, the manganese complex of formula II(2), IIA(2), IIB(2) or IIC(2) is a catalyst. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula IIA(2), IB(2) or IIC(2) is a precursor of the complex of formula II(2). In one embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula IIA(2) or IIB(2) in the present of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula II(2). In another embodiment, if complex IIA(2) or IIB(2) is used as a catalyst in the processes or methods of this invention, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a manganese complex represented by the following structures or its isomer or salt thereof:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese intermediate complex represented by the structure of any of formulae IIIA and IIIB or its isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR³), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring     -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺,         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   R, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl;     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the complex of formula I, IA, IB or IC reacts in a catalytic cycle with an alcohol to obtain the intermediate complex of formula IIIA or IIIB. In another embodiment, if complex IA or IB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formulae IIIA(1) and IIIB(2) or its tautomer, isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR³), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety;     -   R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl;     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the complex of formula I, IA IB or IC reacts in a catalytic cycle with an alcohol to obtain the intermediate complex of formula IIIA(1) or IIIB(1). In another embodiment, if complex IA or IB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the structures of formulae IIIA and IIIB are represented by the structures of formulae 10 and 11, respectively.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese intermediate complex represented by the structure of any of formulae IVA and IVB or its isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺,         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR—R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L¹ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   R, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl;     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the complex of formula I, IA IB or IC reacts in a catalytic cycle with an amine to obtain the intermediate complex of formula IVA or IVB. In another embodiment, if complex IA or IB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formulae IVA(1) and IVB(1) or its tautomer, isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl;     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the structures of formulae IVA(1) and IVB(1) are represented by the structures of formulae 12, 13, 14 and 15 respectively:

In one embodiment, Z is absent (i.e., the pyridine moiety is unsubstituted). In another embodiment, L¹ is phosphine (PR^(a)R^(b)). In another embodiment, L² is phosphine (PR^(a)R^(b)). In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are the same. In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are different. In one embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are the same. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are different. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are isopropyl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are tert-butyl.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese intermediate complex represented by the structure of any of formulae VA and VB or its isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl;

In one embodiment, the compounds of the structures of formulae VA(1) and VA(2) are represented by the structures of formulae 16 and 17 respectively:

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formula VI, VIA, VIB, VIC or their isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺,         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of, CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ or RS;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge;     -   R, R^(a) R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the manganese complex of formula VI, VIA, VIB or VIC is a catalyst. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula VI, VIA or VIB is a precursor of the complex of formula VIC. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula VIA or VIB is a precursor of the complex of formula VI. In another embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula VIA, VIB in the presence of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula VIC. In another embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula VIA, VIB in the presence of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula VI. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VIA or VIB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is added. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VI or VIC is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formula VI(1), VIA(1), VIB(1), VIC(1), or their isomer or salt thereof.

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur,         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of, CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile         (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl,         tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ or RS;     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl;     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge;     -   R, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl; and     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the manganese complex of formula VI(1), VIA(1), VIB(1) or VIC(1) is a catalyst. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula VI(1), VIA(1) or VIB(1) is a precursor of the complex of formula VIC(1). In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula VIA(1) or VIB(1) is a precursor of the complex of formula VI(1). In another embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula VIA(1), VIB(1) in the presence of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula VIC(1). In another embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula VIA(1), VIB(1) in the presence of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula VI(1). In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VIA(1) or VIB(1) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is added. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VI(1) or VIC(1) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formula VI(2), VIA(2), VIB(2), VIC(2) or their isomer or salt thereof;

-   -   wherein     -   L⁵ is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from         the group consisting of CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC),         N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne;     -   R, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.     -   X is halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂         and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆ or ClO₄;     -   X′ is H, halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR,         N(R)₂ and RS;     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   Q is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl,         heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or         alkylheteroaryl; and     -   Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a manganese complex represented by the following structures:

Complex VI Complex/Precursor VIB Complex/Precursor VIC

In one embodiment, the manganese complex of formula VI(2), VIA(2), VIB(2) or VIC(2) is a catalyst. In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula VI(2), VIA(2) or VIB(2) is a precursor of the complex of formula VIC(2). In another embodiment, the manganese complex of formula VIA(2) or VIB(2) is a precursor of the complex of formula VI(2). In another embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula VIA(2), VIB(2) in the presence of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula VIC(2). In another embodiment, the manganese precursor of formula VIA(2), VIB(2) in the presence of a base, yields the manganese complex of formula VI(2). In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VIA(2) or VIB(2) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is added. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VI(2) or VIC(2) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese intermediate complex represented by the structure of any of formulae VIIA and VIIB or its isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron         donor selected from the group consisting of CO,         PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺,         AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c),         SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS,         heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne or L³ and L⁴         form together with the Mn a ring;     -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   R, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl;     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the complex of formula VI, VIA VIB or VIC reacts in a catalytic cycle with methanol to obtain the intermediate complex of formula VIIA or VIIB. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VIA or VIB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is added. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VI or VIC is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a manganese complex represented by the structure of any of formulae VIIA(1) and VIIB(1) or its tautomer, isomer or salt thereof:

-   -   wherein     -   L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide         (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least         one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur;         (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene         represented by the structures:

-   -   Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each         such substituent is independently selected from the group         consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl,         alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl,         halide, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino,         arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z         forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen         based ring;     -   R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl,         aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl,         alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl;     -   R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently H, alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl,         alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the structures of formulae VIIA(1) and VIIB(1) are represented by the structures of formulae 22 and 23 respectively:

In one embodiment, L¹ and L² of formulae I, I(1), IA, IA(1), IB, IB(1), IC, IC(1), II, IIA, IIB, IIC, II(1), IIA(1), IIB(1), IIC(1), IIIA, IIIB, IIIA(1), IIIB(1), IVA, IVB, IVA(1), IVB(1), VI, VIA, VIB, VIC, VI(1), VIA(1), VIB(1) and VIC(1) are each independently (PR^(a)R^(b)), (NR^(a)R^(b)), imine; oxazoline, sulfide (SR^(a)), sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)), heteroaryl containing at least one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur; (AsR^(a)R^(b)), (SbR^(a)R^(b)) or a N-heterocyclic carbene represented by the structures:

In another embodiment, L¹ and L² of formulae I, I(1). IA, IA(1), IB, IB(1), IC, IC(1). II, II(1), IIA, IIA(1), IIB, IIB(1), HC, IIC(1), IIIA, IIIB, IIIA(1), IIIB(1), IVA, IVB, IVA(1), IVB(1), VI, VIA, VIB, VIC, VI(1), VIA(1), VIB(1) and VIC(1) are the same. In another embodiment, L¹ and L² of formulae I, I(1), IA, IA(1), II, IB(1), IC, IC(1), II, IIA, IIB, IIC, II(1), IIA(I), IIB(1), IIC(1), IIIA, IIIB, IIIA(1), IIIB(I), IVA, IVB, IVA(1), IVB(I), VI, VIA, VIB, VIC, VI(1), VIA(1), VIB(1) and VIC(1) are different. In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently a phosphine (PR^(a)R^(b)). In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently (NR^(a)R^(b)). In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently an imine; In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently an oxazoline. In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently a sulfide (SR^(a)). In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently a sulfoxide (S(═O)R^(a)). In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently a heteroaryl containing at least one heteroatom selected from nitrogen and sulfur; In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently an (AsR^(a)R^(b)). In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently a (SbR^(a)R^(b)). In another embodiment, L¹ and L² are each independently a N-heterocyclic carbene represented by the structures:

In one embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are substituents of a N-heterocyclic carbene wherein each independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently a hydrogen. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently an alkyl. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently a cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently an aryl. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently a heterocyclyl. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently heteroaryl. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently alkylcycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently an alkylaryl. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently an alkylheterocyclyl. In another embodiment, R^(j), R^(k) and R^(l) are each independently an alkylheteroaryl.

In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ of formulae I, IA, IB, IC, II, IIA, IIB, IIC, IIIA, IIIB, IVA, IVB, VI, VIA, VIB and VIC are the same. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ of formulae I, IA, IB, IC, II, IIA, IIB, HC, IIIA, IIIB, IVA, IVB, VI, VIA, VIB and VIC are different. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from the group consisting of CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene, alkyne, or L³ and L⁴ form together with the Mn a ring. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently CO. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c). In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)). In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently NO⁺. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c). In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c). In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c). In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently SR^(a)R^(b). In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently a nitrile (RCN). In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently an isonitrile (RNC). In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently N₂. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently PF₃. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently CS. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently a heteroaryl. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently tetrahydrothiophene. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently an alkene. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ are each independently an alkyne. In another embodiment, L³ and L⁴ form together with the Mn a ring.

In another embodiment, L⁵ of formulae I, I(1), I(2), IA, IA(1), IA(2), II, IIA, IIB, I(1), IIA(1), II(1), II(2) IIA(2), IIB(2), IV, IVA, IV(1), IVA(1), IV(2) and IVA(2) is absent or a mono-dentate two-electron donor selected from the group consisting of CO, PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)), NO⁺, AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c), SR^(a)R^(b), nitrile (RCN), isonitrile (RNC), N₂, PF₃, CS, heteroaryl, tetrahydrothiophene, alkene or alkyne. In another embodiment, L⁵ is absent. In another embodiment, L⁵ is CO. In another embodiment, L⁵ is PR^(a)R^(b)R^(c). In another embodiment, L⁵ is P(OR^(a))(OR^(b))(OR^(c)). In another embodiment, L⁵ is NO⁺. In another embodiment, L⁵ is AsR^(a)R^(b)R^(c). In another embodiment, L⁵ is NR^(a)R^(b)R^(c) In another embodiment, L⁵ is SbR^(a)R^(b)R^(c). In another embodiment, L⁵ is SR^(a)R^(b). In another embodiment, L⁵ is nitrile (RCN). In another embodiment, L⁵ is isonitrile (RNC). In another embodiment, L⁵ is N₂. In another embodiment, L⁵ is PF₃. In another embodiment, L⁵ is CS. In another embodiment, L⁵ is heteroaryl. In another embodiment, L⁵ is tetrahydrothiophene. In another embodiment, L⁵ is alkene. In another embodiment, L⁵ is alkyne.

In one embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) of formulae I, I(1), I(2), IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), IC, IC(1), IC(2), ID(2), II, IIA, IIB, IIC, II(1), IIA(1), IIB(1), IIC(1), II(2), IA(2), IIB(2), IC(2), IIIA, IIIB, IIIB(1), IIC, IIIC(1), IVA, IVA(1), IVB, IVB(1) VA, VB, VI, VIA, VIB, VIC, VI(1), VIA(1), VIB(1), VIC(1), VI(2), VIA(2), VIB(2) and VIC(2) are each independently alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are the same. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are different. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a hydrogen. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently an alkyl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently an aryl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a heterocyclyl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently a heteroaryl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently an alkylcycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently an alkylaryl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently an alkylheterocyclyl. In another embodiment, R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently an alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment X of formulae IA, IIA, IA(1) IIA(1), IA(2), IIA(2), VIA, VIA(1) and VIA(2) is an anionic compound, such as halide, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂ and RS, BF₄, B(C₆H₅)₄, B(C₆F₅)₄, B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂], PF₆, and ClO₄. In another embodiment, X is halide. In another embodiment, X is CO. In another embodiment, X is OCOR. In another embodiment, X is OCH₂Q. In another embodiment, X is OCOCF₃. In another embodiment, X is OSO₂R. In another embodiment, X is OSO₂CF₃. In another embodiment, X is CN. In another embodiment, X is OR. In another embodiment, X is N(R)₂. In another embodiment, X is RS. In another embodiment, X is BF₄. In another embodiment, X is B(C₆H₅)₄. In another embodiment, X is B(C₆F₅)₄. In another embodiment, X is B[(C₆H₄)(CF₃)₂]. In another embodiment, X is PF₆. In another embodiment, X is ClO₄.

In one embodiment X′ of formula IB, IC, IIB, IIC, IB(1), IC(1), IIB(1), IIC(1), IB(2), IC(2), ID(2), IIB(2), IIC(2), VIB, VIC, VIB(1), VIC(1), VIB(2) and VIC(2) is selected from the group consisting of H, halide, CO, OCOR, OCH₂Q, OCOCF₃, OSO₂R, OSO₂CF₃, CN, OR, N(R)₂ and RS. In another embodiment, X′ is H. In another embodiment, X′ is halide. In another embodiment, X′ is OCOR. In another embodiment, X′ is OCH₂Q. In another embodiment, X′ is OCOCF₃. In another embodiment, X′ is OSO₂R. In another embodiment, X′ is OSO₂CF₃. In another embodiment, X′ is CN. In another embodiment, X′ is OR. In another embodiment, X′ is N(R)₂. In another embodiment, X′ is RS.

In one embodiment Q of formulae IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), IIIA, IIIA(1), IIIB, IIIB(1), IVA, IVA(1), IVB, IVB(1), VIA, VIA(1) and VIA(2), VIB, VIC, VIB(1), VIC(1), VIB(2) and VIC(2) is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl. In another embodiment Q is hydrogen. In another embodiment Q is alkyl. In another embodiment Q is cycloalkyl. In another embodiment Q is aryl. In another embodiment Q is heterocyclyl. In another embodiment Q is heteroaryl. In another embodiment Q is alkylcycloalkyl. In another embodiment Q is alkylaryl. In another embodiment Q is alkylheterocyclyl. In another embodiment Q is alkylheteroaryl.

In one embodiment Z of formula I, I(1), 1(2), IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), IC(2), ID(2), IIIA, IIIA(1), IIIB, IIIB(1), IIC, IVA, IVA(1), IVB, IVB(1), VA, VB, VI, VIA, VIB, VIC, VI(1), VIA(1), VIB(1), VIC(1), VI(2), VIA(2), VIB(2) and VIC(2) is zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each such substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl, halogen, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino, arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety. In another embodiment, Z is zero substituents (i.e. the pyridine or aryl group is unsubstituted). In another embodiment, Z is a one substituent on the pyridine or aryl group. In another embodiment, Z is two substituents on the pyridine or aryl group. In another embodiment, Z is three substituents on the pyriding or aryl group. In another embodiment, if Z is more than one substituent, the substituents are the same or different. In another embodiment, the substituent is alkyl. In another embodiment, the substituent is cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, the substituent is aryl. In another embodiment, the substituent is heterocyclyl. In another embodiment, the substituent is heteroaryl. In another embodiment, the substituent is alkylcycloalkyl. In another embodiment, the substituent is alkylaryl. In another embodiment, the substituent is alkylheterocyclyl. In another embodiment, the substituent is alkylheteroaryl. In another embodiment, the substituent is halogen. In another embodiment, the substituent is nitro. In another embodiment, the substituent is amide. In another embodiment, the substituent is ester. In another embodiment, the substituent is cyano. In another embodiment, the substituent is alkoxy. In another embodiment, the substituent is alkylamino. In another embodiment, the substituent is arylamino. In another embodiment, the substituent is an inorganic support. In another embodiment, the substituent is a polymeric moiety.

In one embodiment Y⁺ is a cationic group bearing a single positive charge. In another embodiment Y⁺ may be selected from the group consisting of Li⁺, Cs⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, and N(R)₄ ⁺ (R═H or alkyl).

In some embodiments, the manganese complex acts as a catalyst (and is thus designated “manganese catalyst”).

Chemical Definitions

As used herein, the term alkyl, used alone or as part of another group, refers, in one embodiment, to a “C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl” and denotes linear and branched, saturated or unsaturated (e.g., alkenyl, alkynyl) groups, the latter only when the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain is greater than or equal to two, and can contain mixed structures. Non-limiting examples are alkyl groups containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms (C₁ to C₆ alkyls), or alkyl groups containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms (C₁ to C₄ alkyls). Examples of saturated alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, amyl, tert-amyl and hexyl. Examples of alkenyl groups include, but are not limited to, vinyl, allyl, butenyl and the like. Examples of alkynyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethynyl, propynyl and the like. Similarly, the term “C₁ to C₁₂ alkylene” denotes a bivalent radical of 1 to 12 carbons.

The alkyl group can be unsubstituted, or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylaryloxy, heteroaryloxy, oxo, cycloalkyl, phenyl, heteroaryls, heterocyclyl, naphthyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, heteroarylamino, dialkylamino, diarylamino, alkylarylamino, alkylheteroarylamino, arylheteroarylamino, acyl, acyloxy, nitro, carboxy, carbamoyl, carboxamide, cyano, sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, sulfinyl, sulfinylamino, thiol, alkylthio, arylthio, or alkylsulfonyl groups. Any substituents can be unsubstituted or further substituted with any one of these aforementioned substituents. By way of illustration, an “alkoxyalkyl” is an alkyl that is substituted with an alkoxy group.

The term “cycloalkyl” used herein alone or as part of another group, refers to a “C₃ to C₈ cycloalkyl” and denotes any unsaturated or unsaturated (e.g., cycloalkenyl, cycloalkynyl) monocyclic or polycyclic group. Nonlimiting examples of cycloalkyl groups are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl. Examples or cycloalkenyl groups include cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl and the like. The cycloalkyl group can be unsubstituted or substituted with any one or more of the substituents defined above for alkyl. Similarly, the term “cycloalkylene” means a bivalent cycloalkyl, as defined above, where the cycloalkyl radical is bonded at two positions connecting together two separate additional groups.

The term “aryl” used herein alone or as part of another group denotes an aromatic ring system containing from 6-14 ring carbon atoms. The aryl ring can be a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic and the like. Non-limiting examples of aryl groups are phenyl, naphthyl including 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl, and the like. The aryl group can be unsubstituted or substituted through available carbon atoms with one or more groups defined hereinabove for alkyl. An alkylaryl group denotes an alkyl group bonded to an aryl group (e.g., benzyl).

The term “heteroaryl” used herein alone or as part of another group denotes a heteroaromatic system containing at least one heteroatom ring atom selected from nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen. The heteroaryl contains 5 or more ring atoms. The heteroaryl group can be monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic and the like. Also included in this expression are the benzoheterocyclic rings. If nitrogen is a ring atom, the present invention also contemplates the N-oxides of the nitrogen containing heteroaryls. Nonlimiting examples of heteroaryls include thienyl, benzothienyl, 1-naphthothienyl, thianthrenyl, furyl, benzofuryl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, purinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, carbolinyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl and the like. The heteroaryl group can be unsubstituted or substituted through available atoms with one or more groups defined hereinabove for alkyl.

The term “heterocyclic ring” or “heterocyclyl” used herein alone or as part of another group denotes a five-membered to eight-membered rings that have 1 to 4 heteroatoms, such as oxygen, sulfur and/or nitrogen. These five-membered to eight-membered rings can be saturated, fully unsaturated or partially unsaturated. Non-limiting examples of heterocyclic rings include piperidinyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl pyrrolinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, pyranyl, thiopyranyl, piperazinyl, indolinyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, dihydropyranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, and the like. The heterocyclyl group can be unsubstituted or substituted through available atoms with one or more groups defined hereinabove for alkyl.

The inorganic support which is attached to the manganese complex can be, for example, silica, silica gel, glass, glass fibers, titania, zirconia, alumina and nickel oxide.

The polymeric moiety which is attached to the manganese complex can be, for example, selected from polyolefins, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidenechloride, polystyrene, polymethracrylate, natural rubber, polyisoprene, butadiene-styrene random copolymers, butadiene acrylonitrile copolymers, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyphenylenesulfide, cyclo-olefin copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, ABS, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, chloroprene polymers, isobutylene copolymers, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like.

In one embodiment, the processes of this invention make use of a manganese complexes as a catalyst. Thus, the manganese complex is used in a catalytic amount in the processes of this invention. A catalytic amount reefers to a significantly smaller amount of the catalyst than the molecular amount of substrates.

Michael addition refers to the 1,4-addition (or conjugate addition) of a nucleophile (also known as donor) to an alkene or alkyne attached to electron withdrawing groups (also known as acceptor). A Michael donor refers to in this invention to nitriles and specifically to aliphatic or unactivated nitriles. In one embodiment a Michael acceptor in this invention is an α β, unsaturated carbonyl. In one embodiment a Michael acceptor is represented by the following formula:

wherein R³, R⁴, R⁵ are each independently selected from H, nsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy (O-alkyl), aryloxy (O-aryl), aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl or R³ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring; or R₄ and R₅ form a cyclic ring; or R₃ and R₄ form a cyclic ring; wherein EWG is an electron withdrawing group comprising C(═O)R, C(═O)OR′, SO₂R′, CON(R)₂, NO₂ or CN, wherein R is H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl; and R′ is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl; and EWG is an electron withdrawing group comprising C(═O)R, C(═O)OR′, SO₂R′, CON(R)₂, NO₂ or CN, wherein R is H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl; and R′ is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl.

PNP refers to the ligand of the complexes of this invention including phosphorous, nitrogen and phosphorous atoms. Examples of PNP ligands of this invention include

-   -   PNP* refers to dearomatized pyridine ligand of the complexes of         this invention including the phosphorous, nitrogen and         phosphorous atoms. An examples of PNP* ligand of this invention         includes

Processes

The present invention further provides various processes which utilize the manganese complexes of the present invention as catalysts.

In general, the processes of the present invention can be conducted in the absence or in the presence of a solvent. When a solvent is present, it can be an organic solvent, including but not limited to benzene, toluene, o-, m- or p-xylene, mesitylene (1,3,5-trimethyl benzene), dioxane, pentane, hexane, DCM, THF, DME, DMSO, anisole and cyclohexane.

The stoichiometric ratios of reagents can vary, and depend on the particular reactants being used, as well as solvent used for the reaction. The reactions of the present invention can be performed for as long as needed so as to effect desired transformation, for example 1 hr to 24 hr or longer than 24 hr. The temperature range can vary from room temperature to heated conditions, for example up to 200° C.

1. Dehydrogenative Coupling of Alcohols and Amines

Direct dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines is one of the most promising approaches and “green” pathway to synthesize imine, since alcohols are readily available through a variety of industrial processes and are highly relevant starting materials in view of recent developments in the field of renewable, as they can be obtained via fermentation or catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass. Moreover, only hydrogen and water are produced as by-products in this pathway. Thus, development of an efficient and general strategy for the synthesis of imines from alcohols and amines is highly imperative because of its potential versatility and wide spread application.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing imines by coupling of alcohols and amines in the presence of the manganese complexes of this invention. In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a process comprising reacting an amine with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst of this invention to generate an imine compound, a molecular hydrogen (H₂) and water (H₂O). In one embodiment, the process involves coupling of primary alcohols and primary amines. In another embodiment, the process is described in Example 6.

In one embodiment, the process comprises reacting a manganese complex of formula I, IA, IB or IC with an alcohol to yield the intermediate of formula IIIA, which is then reacted with the amine to yield an imine.

In one embodiment, the process of the invention, i.e., the direct catalytic coupling of primary alcohol and a primary amine into an imine and dihydrogen is illustrated in Scheme 1 using the catalyst of this invention. In accordance with this process, a primary alcohol represented by formula RCH₂OH is reacted with R₁NH₂ are converted to an imine represented by the structure R—C═N—R₁. This novel, environmentally benign reaction, can be used to produce various imines from very simple substrates and generating no waste. In another embodiment, if the manganese complex IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2) ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB (2) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added.

In one embodiment this invention is directed to a process for preparing an imine by dehydrogenative coupling of an alcohol of the formula RCH₂OH and an amine of the formula R¹NH₂ as presented in scheme 1:

wherein R is an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; R¹ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; wherein said process comprising the step of reacting said alcohol and said amine in the presence of the manganese complex as a catalyst of this invention, wherein said catalyst is represented by the structure of formula I, IA, IB or IC thereby generating an imine.

In another embodiment, the catalyst is of formula 1-11, 6A′ or 6B, 18-21. In another embodiment, if the manganese complex IA, IA(1), IA(2), ID(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB (2) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a process for preparing an imine by dehydrogenative coupling of an alcohol of the formula RCH₂OH and an amine of the formula R¹NH₂ as presented in Scheme 1:

wherein R is an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; R¹ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; wherein said method comprising the step of reacting said alcohol and said amine in the presence of the manganese complex as a catalyst of this invention; wherein said catalyst of formula I, IA IB or IC reacts with said alcohol to obtain the catalyst of formula IIIA which is further reacted with said amine and thereby generating an imine. In another embodiment, if the manganese complex IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB(2) is used as a catalyst an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added.

In another embodiment, the catalytic cycle for the formation of imine using the complex of this invention is presented in FIG. 4 and in Example 7.

In one embodiment, the hydroxyl compound reacts with the catalyst to obtain an intermediate complex of formula IIIA and/or IIIB.

In one embodiment, the process of this invention for the preparation of imines includes the use of an alcohol of the formula RCH₂OH. In another embodiment R is an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl or heteroaryl. In another embodiment R is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl. In another embodiment R is unsubstituted or substituted alkoxyalkyl. In another embodiment R is unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl. In another embodiment R is unsubstituted or substituted aryl. In another embodiment R is unsubstituted or substituted alkylaryl. In another embodiment R is unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl. In another embodiment R is unsubstituted or substituted or heteroaryl. Non limiting examples of an alcohol used in the process for the preparation of imines include: ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, isobutanoln-pentanol, 1-hexanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 4-fluoro benzyl alcohol, 4-chloro-benzyl alcohol, 3-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 3,4-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 4-methoxy benzyl alcohol, I-phenylethanol, and cyclohexane methanol.

In one embodiment, the process of this invention for the preparation of imines includes the use of an amine of the formula R¹NH₂. In another embodiment R¹ unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl or heteroaryl. In another embodiment R¹ unsubstituted or substituted alkyl. In another embodiment R₁ unsubstituted or substituted alkoxyalkyl. In another embodiment R¹ unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl. In another embodiment R¹ unsubstituted or substituted aryl. In another embodiment R₁ unsubstituted or substituted alkylaryl. In another embodiment R¹ unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl. In another embodiment R¹ unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl. Non limiting examples of an amine used in the process for the preparation of imines include: cyclohexanamine, 2-phenylethanamine, (4-methoxyphenyl)methanamine, (4-fluorophenyl)methanamine phenylmethanamine and hexan-1-amine.

2. Michael Addition

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for conjugate addition (C—C bond formation) between nitriles and Michael acceptors using the manganese catalyst of this invention. In another embodiment, the nitrile is an activated nitrile. In another embodiment, the nitrile is a nonactivated nitrile. In another embodiment, the nitrile is an aliphatic nitrile. In one embodiment, the process for conjugate addition is presented in Example 10.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a process for C—C bond formation via Michael addition, wherein said process comprises reacting an unactivated nitrile of the formula R²CH₂CN wherein R² is H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl with a Michael acceptor in the presence of the manganese complex of formula I, IA IB or IC thereby generating a new C—C bond. In another embodiment, the complex is of formula 1-11, 18-21, 6A′ or 6B. In another embodiment, the complex is of formula 1, 7 or 2. In another embodiment, if the manganese complex IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2) or, ID(2), as a catalyst is used an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a process for C—C bond formation via Michael addition, wherein said process comprises reacting an unactivated nitrile of the formula R²CH₂CN wherein R² is H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl with a Michael acceptor in the presence of the manganese complex of formula I, IA, IB or IC wherein said complex of formula I IA, IB or IC reacts with said nitrile to obtain the catalyst of formula IVA or IVB which is further reacted with said Michael acceptor and thereby generating a new C—C bond.

In one embodiment, the process of C—C bond formation of this invention make use of a Michael acceptor. In another embodiment, the Michael acceptor is α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a process for C—C bond formation via Michael addition, wherein said process comprises reacting an unactivated nitriles of the formula R²CH₂CN and a Michael acceptor of compound of the formula R—C(R⁴)═C(R⁵)EWG in the present of a manganese complex of this invention as a catalyst:

wherein R² is H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl; and; R³, R⁴, R⁵ are each independently selected from H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy (O-alkyl), aryloxy (O-aryl), aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl or R³ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring; or R₄ and R₅ form a cyclic ring; or R₃ and R₄ form a cyclic ring; and EWG is an electron withdrawing group comprising C(═O)R, C(═O)OR′, SO₂R′, CON(R)₂, NO₂ or CN, wherein R is H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl; and R′ is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl.

In one embodiment, the nitrile compound reacts with the catalyst of formula I, IA, IB or IC to obtain an intermediate complex of formula IVA or IVB.

In another embodiment, if the manganese complex IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIIB, VIB(I) or VIB (2)catalyst is used as the catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required. In another embodiment, if a manganese complex of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added.

In one embodiment, the process of C—C bond formation of this invention make use of a Michael donor of the formula R²CH₂CN. In another embodiment R² is H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl. In another embodiment, R² is H. In another embodiment, R² is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl. In another embodiment, R² is unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R² is unsubstituted or substituted aryl. In another embodiment, R² is unsubstituted or substituted alkylaryl. In another embodiment, R² is unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl.

Non limiting examples of R²CH₂CN include: acetonitrile, propionitrile, butyronitrile, pentanenitrile and benzyl cyanide.

In one embodiment, the process of C—C bond formation of this invention make use of a Michael acceptor of the formula R³C(R⁴)═C(R⁵)EWG. In another embodiment R³, R⁴, R⁵ are each independently selected from H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy (O-alkyl), aryloxy (O-aryl), aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl or R⁴ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring; or R⁴ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring; or R³ and R⁴ form a cyclic ring. In another embodiment, R³ is H. In another embodiment, R⁴ is H. In another embodiment R⁵ is H. In another embodiment, R³ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁴ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl. In another embodiment R⁵ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl. In another embodiment, R³ is unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R⁴ is unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl. In another embodiment R⁵ is unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, R³ is unsubstituted or substituted alkoxy. In another embodiment, R⁴ is unsubstituted or substituted alkoxy. In another embodiment R⁵ is unsubstituted or substituted alkoxy. In another embodiment, R³ is unsubstituted or substituted aryloxy. In another embodiment, R⁴ is unsubstituted or substituted aryloxy. In another embodiment R⁵ is unsubstituted or substituted aryloxy. In another embodiment, R³ is unsubstituted or substituted aryl. In another embodiment, R⁴ is unsubstituted or substituted aryl. In another embodiment R⁵ is unsubstituted or substituted aryl. In another embodiment, R³ is unsubstituted or substituted alkylaryl. In another embodiment, R⁴ is unsubstituted or substituted alkylaryl. In another embodiment R⁵ is unsubstituted or substituted alkylaryl. In another embodiment, R³ is unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl. In another embodiment, R⁴ is unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl. In another embodiment R⁵ is unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl. In another embodiment R³ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring. In another embodiment R⁴ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring. In another embodiment, R³ and R⁴ form a cyclic ring. In one embodiment EWG is an electron withdrawing group comprising C(═O)R, C(═O)OR′, SO₂R′, CON(R)₂, NO₂ or CN, wherein R is H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl; and R′ is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl; In one embodiment EWG is (═O)R. In another embodiment EWG is C(═O)OR′; In another embodiment EWG is SO₂R′; In another embodiment EWG is CON(R)₂; In another embodiment EWG is NO₂. In another embodiment EWG is CN.

Non limiting examples of Michael acceptors include: ethyl acrylate, but-3-en-2-one, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, cyclohex-2-enone or methyl but-2-enoate.

3. Dehydrogenative Coupling of Alcohols to Give Esters and Hydrogen Gas

In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparing esters by coupling of alcohols in the presence of the manganese complexes of the present invention, to generate the ester compound and molecular hydrogen.

In one embodiment, the process involves coupling of primary alcohols. In another embodiment, the process involves coupling of a primary and secondary alcohol. Use of dialcohols in the reaction leads to polyesters or to lactones.

Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complexes IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB (2) are used, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process of this invention is conducted in the presence of a base, at least one equivalent of a base relative to the metal complex is required. In another embodiment, two or three equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex are required. In another embodiment, the catalyst is a manganese complex 1-11, 18-21. In another embodiment, the catalyst is a manganese complex 6A′. In another embodiment, the catalyst is a manganese complex 6B.

In one embodiment, the process of the invention, i.e., the direct catalytic coupling of primary alcohols into esters and dihydrogen is illustrated in Scheme 3. In accordance with this process, two equivalents of a primary alcohol represented by formula R⁶CH₂OH are converted to an ester by the structure R⁶—C(═O)—OCH₂R⁶. This novel, environmentally benign reaction, can be used to produce various esters from very simple substrates, with high atom economy and in some embodiments no stoichiometric activating agents, thus generating no waste.

In another embodiment, the process of the invention involves the catalytic coupling of a primary alcohol and a secondary alcohol, as illustrated in Scheme 4.

In Schemes 3 and 4, each of R⁶ R^(6′) and R^(6″) is independently selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

When primary alcohols are used, the process of the invention contemplates symmetric coupling of alcohols to yield symmetric esters (i.e., 2 equivalents of the same alcohol are coupled). However, the present invention further contemplates the generation of asymmetric esters by coupling of different alcohols. In accordance with this embodiment, a first primary alcohol represented by formula R⁶CH₂OH is reacted with a second alcohol represented by formula R^(6′)CH₂OH so as to generate an ester by the structure R⁶—C(═O)—O CH₂R^(6′) or an ester of formula R⁶—C(═O)—OCH₂R⁶, as illustrated in Scheme 4:

wherein R⁶ and R^(6′) are the same or different from each other and are each independently selected is from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

A variety of alcohols can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, t-butanol, n-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 3-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 4-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 1-phenylethanol, and cyclohexane methanol. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the process of the invention can also be applied to bis-acylation reactions with dialcohols to yield polyesters.

The reaction between the alcohols can be inter-molecular (i.e., the two alcohols are separate molecules). Alternatively, the reaction between the alcohols can be intra-molecular, i.e., the alcohol functionalities can be present in the same molecule, resulting in intra-molecular cyclization to generate a lactone. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, a process of dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols for the preparation of esters and hydrogen gas are exemplified in Example 18.

4. Hydrogenation of Esters to Alcohols

The manganese complexes of the present invention can also catalyze the hydrogenation of esters to the corresponding alcohols. Thus, in some embodiments, the present invention further provides a process for hydrogenating an ester with molecular hydrogen (H₂) in the presence of the manganese complexes of the present invention.

Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complexes IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB (2) is used as a catalyst, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process of this invention is conducted in the presence of a base, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required. In another embodiment, the catalyst is a manganese complex 1-11, 18-21. In another embodiment, the catalyst is a manganese complex 6A′. In another embodiment, the catalyst is a manganese complex 6B.

In one embodiment of the process of the invention, i.e., the direct catalytic conversion of esters to alcohols, is illustrated in Scheme 6, whereby an ester represented by the formula R⁷C(═O)—OR⁸ is hydrogenated to the corresponding alcohol or alcohols:

wherein R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; and R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

It is apparent to a person of skill in the art that when the ester is symmetric (i.e., R⁷═R⁸), the reaction yields two equivalents of the same alcohol. However, when the ester is asymmetric (i.e., R⁷ is different from R⁸), the reaction yields a mixture of two alcohols.

In one embodiment, R⁷ is H and the process comprises hydrogenating a formate ester of formula H—C(═O)—OR⁸ to methanol and an alcohol of formula R⁸—OH.

A variety of esters can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the ester is selected from the group consisting of hexyl hexanoate, methyl hexanoate, cyclohexyl hexanoate, tert-butyl acetate, cyclohexyl acetate, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate, benzyl benzoate, ethyl 3-phenylpropanoate, ethyl benzoate, butyl butyrate, methyl formate, ethyl formate, propyl formate butyl formate, methyl trifluoroacetate, methyl difluoroacetate and methyl monofluoroacetate. In other embodiments, the ester is a cyclic ester (a lactone). In yet other embodiments, the ester is a cyclic ester (lactone) or a di-ester (di-lactone), and the process results in a diol. In another embodiment, the cyclic ester is oxepan-2-one and the diol formed is hexane 1,6-diol. In yet other embodiments, the ester is a biomass-derived cyclic di-ester (di-lactone) such as, but not limited to glycolide or lactide. In yet another embodiment, the ester is polyester. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, a process of hydrogenation of esters to alcohols are exemplified in Example 16.

Catalytic homogeneous hydrogenation of cyclic di-esters (di-lactone), specifically glycolide and lactide to the corresponding 1,2-diols (vicinal diols) is of significant interest conceptually and practically, since these compounds are produced from biomass sources such as glycolic acid and lactic acid respectively via self-esterification, and their efficient hydrogenation can provide an alternative, mild approach to the indirect transformation of biomass resources to important synthetic building blocks. As contemplated herein, the unprecedented, environmentally benign, atom-economical route for the synthesis of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are efficiently catalyzed by the manganese complexes as described herein. These catalytic reactions proceed under neutral, homogeneous conditions, at mild temperatures and mild hydrogen pressures. The optical purity of a chiral diol is unaffected during the hydrogenation reactions.

The process of lactone or di-lactone hydrogenation can be catalyzed by any of the complexes of the present invention, as described herein (Scheme 7).

wherein R⁸ is as described above.

A variety of cyclic di-esters (di-lactones) can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the ester is a biomass-derived cyclic di-ester (di-lactone) such as, but not limited to glycolide or lactide. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

5. Hydrogenation of Amides to Alcohols and Amines

The present invention provides a process for hydrogenating amides (including cyclic dipeptides, diamide, lactams, polypeptides and polyamides) by reacting the amide with molecular hydrogen (H₂) in the presence of the manganese complexes of the present invention to generate the corresponding alcohol and amine. Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complexes IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB (2) is used as a catalyst, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process of this invention is conducted in the presence of a base, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

The process of the invention, i.e., the direct catalytic conversion of amides to alcohols and amides is illustrated in Scheme 8. This novel, environmentally benign reaction can be used to prepare alcohols and amines from any type of amide, with high atom economy and in some embodiments no stoichiometric activating agents, thus generating no waste. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for hydrogenating an amide represented by the formula R¹²C(═O)—N—R¹³R^(13′) to an alcohol of formula R¹²CH₂OH and amine of formula R¹³R^(13′)NH:

wherein R¹², R¹³ and R^(13′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

A variety of amides can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the amide is selected from the group consisting of N-benzyl-2-methoxyacetamide, N-hexyl-2-methoxyacetamide, N-hexyl-3-methyloxetane-3-carboxamide, N-hexyl-2-furanylcarboxamide, N-benzylbenzamide, N-ethylacetamide, N-methylpropionamide, N-cyclohexyl-2-methoxyacetamide, N-phenylacetamide, N-phenylhexylamide, 2-methoxy-N-phenylacetamide, N-phenylbenzamide, Ethylenediamine-N,N′-(2-methoxyacetamide), N-hexanoylmorpholine, N-butanoylmorpholine, N-2-metoxyacetylpyrrolidine, N-formylmorpholine, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-diethylbenzamide, benzamide, 4-methylbenzamide, cyclohexanecarboxamide, hexanamide, acetamide, acrylamide and pivalamide. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In a similar manner, cyclic amides (lactams) can be hydrogenated to the corresponding amino alcohols. In one embodiment, the lactam is a cyclic peptide, which can be hydrogenated with the Ruthenium complex of the present invention to the respective amino alcohol (Scheme 9). In a similar manner, polyamides can be hydrogenated to amines and alcohols, and polypeptides or polyamides can be hydrogenated to amino alcohols.

In one particular embodiment, the cyclic amide is glycine anhydride (GA) or N,N-dimethyl GA, and the process results in ethanolamine or 2-(methylamino)ethanol.

wherein R is H or CH.

As mentioned above, in another embodiment, mixtures of linear peptides and GA/N,N-dimethyl-GA are capable of being hydrogenated back to AE or its N-methyl derivative, as illustrated in Scheme 10b hereinabove.

In another embodiment, the diamide can is hydrogenated to diamine and alcohol. Specifically, the present invention relates to a catalytic process for the preparation of ethylenediamine (ED) and ethanol, the process comprises the steps of reacting N,N′-diacetylethylenediamine (DAE) with molecular hydrogen (H₂) in the presence of a catalyst, thereby generating ethylenediamine (ED) and ethanol. This reaction is described in Scheme 10. In one embodiment, the catalyst is a Ruthenium complex as described herein.

6. Hydrogenation of Organic Carbonates, Carbamates and Urea Derivatives

Similar to the hydrogenation of amides and esters, the novel manganese complexes of the present invention can also catalyze the hydrogenation of organic carbonates, hydrogenation of carbamates, or hydrogenation of urea derivatives to the corresponding amines and/or alcohols. Thus, in some embodiments, the present invention further provides a process for hydrogenating an organic carbonate, carbamate or urea derivative with molecular hydrogen (H₂) in the presence of the manganese complex of the present invention. Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complexes IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB (2) is used, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process of this invention is conducted in the presence of a base, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

One embodiment of the process of the invention, i.e., the direct catalytic hydrogenation of organic carbonates, is illustrated in Scheme 11, whereby a carbonate represented by the formula R¹⁴O—C(═O)—OR^(14′) is hydrogenated to the corresponding alcohols(s) and methanol:

wherein R¹⁴ and R^(14′) are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

It is apparent to a person of skill in the art that when the organic carbonate is symmetric (i.e., R¹⁴═R^(14′)) the reaction yields two equivalents of the same alcohol, and one equivalent of methanol. However, when the organic carbonate is asymmetric (i.e., R¹⁴ is different from R^(14′)), the reaction yields a mixture of two alcohols, and methanol.

A variety of organic carbonates can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the carbonate is dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate or dibutyl carbonate. In another embodiment, the carbonate is a polycarbonate, such as polyethylene carbonate or polypropylene carbonate. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the process of the present invention, i.e., the direct catalytic hydrogenation of carbamates, is illustrated in Scheme 12, a carbamate represented by the formula R¹⁵O—C(═O)—NHR¹⁶ is hydrogenated to the corresponding amine, alcohol and methanol:

wherein R¹⁵ is selected from the group consisting of an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; and R¹⁶ is selected from the group consisting of H or an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

A variety of organic carbamates can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the carbamate is methyl benzylcarbamate or methyl 4-methoxybenzylcarbamate. In another embodiment, the carbamate is a polycarbamate. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the process of the present invention, i.e., the direct catalytic hydrogenation of urea derivatives, is illustrated in Scheme 13, whereby a urea derivative is hydrogenated to the corresponding amine(s) and methanol:

wherein each of R^(17a) and R^(18a), which may be the same or different, is selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, and heterocyclyl, and each of Rim and R^(18b), which may be the same or different, is selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, and heterocyclyl. Alternatively, at least one of R^(17a) and R^(17b), and/or R^(16a) and R^(16b) together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring

A variety of symmetrical (R^(17a)═R^(18a), R^(17b)═R^(18b)) and asymmetrical (R^(17a)≠R^(18a), R^(17b)≠R^(18b)) urea derivatives can be used in the process of the invention, with each possibility representing a separate embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the urea derivative is 1,3-dimethylurea, and the product of the reaction is methanol and two molecules of methylamine. In another embodiment, the urea derivative is selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dipropylurea, 1,3-dihexylurea, 1,3-bis(2-methoxyethyl)urea, 1,3-dicyclohexylurea, 1,3-dibenzylurea, 1,3-bis(4-methylbenzyl)urea, 1,3-bis(4-methylbenzyl)urea, 1,3-diphenylurea, 1,3-bis(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)urea, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylurea, and di(piperidin-1-yl)methanone. Polyurea derivatives can also be hydrogenated in a similar manner. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

7. Dehydrogenation of Secondary Alcohols to Ketones

In another aspect, the present invention further relates to a process for preparing a ketone by dehydrogenation of a secondary alcohol, comprising the step of reacting the secondary alcohol in the presence of the manganese complex of the present invention, thereby generating the ketone and molecular hydrogen. Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complexes IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB(2) is used, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process of this invention is conducted in the presence of a base, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

The process of the invention, i.e., the direct catalytic conversion of secondary alcohols into ketones and dihydrogen is illustrated in Scheme 14. In accordance with this process, a secondary alcohol represented by formula R¹⁹CH(OH)R^(19′) is converted to a ketone represented by the structure R¹⁹—C(═O)—R¹⁹′:

wherein R¹⁹ and R^(19′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of H or an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

A variety of alcohols can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of I-phenyl-1-ethanol, 2-hexanol, cyclohexanol and 2-propanol. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

8. Synthesis of Amides from Esters and Amines

The present invention further provides a process for preparing amides, by reacting an amine and an ester in the presence of the manganese complex of the present invention, to generate the amide compound and molecular hydrogen (H₂). Reactions of esters with diamines lead to diamides. Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complexes IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB (2) is used, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process of this invention is conducted in the presence of an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required. In another embodiment, the complex is of formula 1-11, 18-21 6A′ or 6B.

The process of the invention, i.e., the direct catalytic reaction of esters and amines into amides and dihydrogen is illustrated in Scheme 15. In accordance with this process, an amine represented by formula R²⁰R^(20′)NH is reacted with an ester represented by the formula R²¹—C(═O)—OCH₂R^(21′) to generate an amide represented by the structure R²¹—C(═O)—NR^(2R)R²⁰ or R^(21′)—C(═O)—NR²⁰R^(20′). This novel, environmentally benign reaction can be used to produce various amides from very simple substrates, with high atom economy and in some embodiments no stoichiometric activating agents, thus generating no waste.

wherein R²⁰, R^(20′,) R²¹ and R^(21′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl, wherein R²⁰, R^(20′), R²¹ and R^(21′) can be the same or different from each other.

A variety of esters can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the ester is selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, butyl butyrate, pentyl pentanoate and hexyl hexanoate. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

A variety of primary and secondary amines (as well as ammonia) may be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the amine is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidine, morpholine, 1-methyl piperazine, piperidine, piperazine, 1-hexylamine and p-tolylmethanamine.

In another embodiment, the process of the invention can also be applied to bis-acylation reactions with diamines. Upon reacting alcohols and diamines, the corresponding bis-amides are produced in high yields.

In another embodiment, a process of amidation of esters and amines are exemplified in Example 20.

9. Acylation of Alcohols Using Esters with Liberation of H₂

The present invention further provides a process for preparing esters by acylation of alcohols using esters in the presence of the manganese complex of the present invention, to generate the ester compound and molecular hydrogen. In one embodiment, the process involves reaction of primary alcohols and esters. In another embodiment, the process involves reaction of a secondary alcohols and esters. Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complexes IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(I), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB(2) is used, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process of this invention is conducted in the presence of a base, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, the process of the invention, i.e., the direct catalytic acylation of alcohols using esters to yield an ester and dihydrogen is illustrated in Scheme 21. In accordance with this process, two equivalents of a primary or secondary alcohol represented by formula R²³R^(23′) CHOH reacts with one equivalent an ester by the structure R²²—C(═O)—OCH₂R^(22′) as shown in Scheme 16. This novel, environmentally benign reaction, can be used to produce various esters from very simple substrates, with high atom economy and in some embodiments no stoichiometric activating agents, thus generating no waste.

wherein R²², R²², R²³ and R^(23′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

A variety of alcohols can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of cyclohexanol, cyclopentanol, 1-phenylethanol, isopropanol and 3-pentanol. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

A variety of esters can be used as the starting materials. In some embodiments, the ester is selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, hexyl hexanoate, pentyl pentanoate, butyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate and methyl hexanoate.

10. Coupling of Alcohols with Water to Form Carboxylic Acid Salts with Liberation of H₂

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a process for preparing carboxylic acids by contacting primary alcohols with water in the presence of the manganese complex of the present invention and a base, to generate the carboxylic acid salt and molecular hydrogen and, if desired, followed by conversion of the carboxylic acid salt to the corresponding carboxylic acid.

Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complexes IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB(2) are used, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process of this invention is conducted in the presence of a base, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, the process of the invention, i.e., the direct catalytic conversion of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids and dihydrogen is illustrated in Scheme 22. In accordance with this process, a primary alcohol represented by formula R²⁴CH₂OH is contacted with water and a base (e.g., NaOH) as shown in Scheme 17. This novel, environmentally benign reaction, can be used to produce various carboxylic acids and their salts from very simple substrates, with high atom economy and in some embodiments no stoichiometric activating agents, thus generating no waste. If desired, the salt is neutralized with the appropriate acid to provide the corresponding carboxylic acid.

wherein R²⁴ is selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

A variety of bases can be used for this reaction, non-limiting examples of which include an inorganic or organic base selected from sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium methoxide. The acid used to neutralize the salt can be, e.g. a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, and the like. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

A variety of alcohols can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of butanol, pentanol, decanol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-aminoethanol, 2-aminopropanol, 2-amino-2-phenylethanol, 2-phenylethanol, cyclohexylmethanol, 3-phenylbutan-1-ol, but-3-en-1-ol, (4-methoxyphenyl)methanol, and (2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanol. Use of amino alcohols leads to the formation of amino acids. In case of 2-aminoalcohols, natural amino acids are formed. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

11. Preparing of Amino Acids or their Salts from Amino Alcohols

Thus, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for preparing an amino acid or a salt thereof, by contacting an amino alcohol with the manganese complex of the present invention, in the presence of water and a base, under conditions sufficient to generate the amino acid or a salt thereof.

Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complexes IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB(2) are used, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process of this invention is conducted in the presence of a base, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required.

In one embodiment, the process of the invention involves the direct catalytic conversion of β- or γ-amino alcohols to amino acids or their salts, as illustrated by Scheme 18:

wherein R²⁵ is H or an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl; and

n is 1 or 2.

A variety of amino alcohols can be used in the process of preparing amino acids in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In some embodiments, the amino alcohol is selected from the group consisting of 2-aminoethanol (ethanolamine), 2-amino-1-butanol, diethanolamine, 2-aminopropanol, N-methylethanolamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, N-isopropylethanolamine, t-tert-butylethanolamine, 2-amino-3-methyl-1-butanol, prolinol, 2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol, 2-amino-2-phenyl-1-ethanol, 3-aminopropanol, N,N-dimethyl-3-aminopropanol, 3-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol, and 2-aminobenzyl alcohol, or salts of any of the foregoing. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

A variety of amino acids can be produced in accordance with the foregoing process. In some embodiments, the amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine, α-aminobutyric acid, 2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)acetic acid, alanine, sarcosine, dimethylglycine, N-isopropyl glycine, N-tert-butyl glycine, leucine, proline, phenylalanine, 2-phenylglycine, β-alanine, N,N-dimethyl-β-alanine, 3-amino-3-phenyl propanoic acid, and anthranilic acid, or salts of any of the foregoing. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

12. Dehydrogenative Coupling of Alcohols and Amines for the Preparation of Amides (Including Cyclic Dipeptides, Diamide, Lactams, Polypeptides and Polyamides)

The present invention provides a process for the preparation of amides (including cyclic dipeptides, diamide, lactams, polypeptides and polyamides) by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines in the presence of the manganese complexes. Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. When complex IA, IA(1), IA(2), IB, IB(1), IB(2), ID(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB (2) is used as a catalyst, the process is conducted in the presence of a base. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. When the process is conducted in the presence of a base, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required. In another embodiment, the complex is of formula 1-11, 18-21, 6A′, 6B, VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1). VIB (2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2).

In one embodiment, the process comprises reacting a manganese complex of formula VI, VIA, VIB or VIC with methanol to yield the intermediate of formula VIIA or VIIB, which is then reacted with the amine to yield an amide.

This novel, environmentally benign reaction can be used to prepare amides from any secondary or primary amine and primary alcohols, and it doesn't generate any waste. The process of the invention, i.e., the catalytic conversion of alcohols and amines for the preparation of amides is illustrated for example in Scheme 19. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of amides represented by the formula R²⁶C(═O)—N—R²⁷R^(27′) by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols of formula R²⁶CH₂OH and amine of formula R²⁷R²⁷NH:

-   -   wherein R²⁶, R²⁷ and R^(27′) are each independently selected         from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted,         saturated or unsaturated: alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl,         alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl.

The coupling between the alcohol and the amines can be inter-molecular (i.e., the alcohol and the amine are separate molecules). Alternatively, the reaction between the alcohol and amine can be intra-molecular, i.e., the alcohol and amine are in the same molecule, resulting in intra-molecular cyclization to generate a lactam. In another embodiment, coupling a diamine with an alcohol, or coupling a dialcohol with an amine will yield diamides or dipeptides. In another embodiment, a lactam is prepared by coupling an aminoalcohol. In another embodiment, a polyamide or a polypeptide is prepared by coupling a dialcohol with diamine.

A variety of amines can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the amine is selected from the group consisting substituted or unsubstituted aryl-alkyl-amine, alkyl amine, alkyl-diamine, cycloalkyl amine, cycloalkyl diamine, hereterocycoalkyl amine, hereterocycoalkyl diamine Non limited examples include phenylmethanamine, 2-phenylethanamine, pentan-1-amine hexan-1-amine, pyrrolidine, cyclohexanamine, (4-methoxyphenyl)methanamine, (4-fluorophenyl)methanamine and 4-benzylpiperidine. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

A variety of alcohols can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted: hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyarylalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, hydroxyheterocycloalkyl. Non limited examples include methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, t-butanol, n-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexanol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 3-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 4-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 1-phenylethanol, and cyclohexane methanol Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

A variety of aminoalcohols can be used in the process of the invention. In some embodiments, the aminolcohol is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted: hydroxyalkylamine, hydroxyarylalkylamine, hydroxycycloalkylamine, hydroxyheterocycloalkylamine. Non limited examples include 5-aminopentan-1-ol, 2-aminoethanol (ethanolamine), 2-amino-1-butanol, diethanolamine, 2-aminopropanol, N-methylethanolamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, N-isopropylethanolamine, t-tert-butylethanolamine, 2-amino-3-methyl-1-butanol, prolinol, 2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol, 2-amino-2-phenyl-1-ethanol, 3-aminopropanol, N,N-dimethyl-3-aminopropanol, 3-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol, and 2-aminobenzyl alcohol. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, a process of dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines for the preparation of amides are exemplified in Example 19.

13. Dehydrogenative Coupling of Methanol and Amines for the Preparation of Formamides

In one embodiment, this invention provides a process for the preparation of formamides by dehydrogenative coupling of methanol and amines in the presence of the manganese complexes. Depending on the complex being used, the reaction permits the optional use of one or more equivalents of a base relative to the metal complex. In another embodiment, the complex is of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1), VIB (2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) their isomers or salts thereof. In another embodiment, the complex is a compound 18, 19, 20, 21 their isomers or salts thereof. When complex VIA, VIA(1), VIA(2), VIB, VIB(1) or VIB (2) is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is required. In another embodiment, when complexes of formula VI, VI(1), VI(2), VIC, VIC(1) or VIC(2) are used, the process is optionally conducted in the presence of a base. In one embodiment, this invention provides a process for the preparation of formamides by dehydrogenative coupling of methanol and amines in the presence of the manganese complexes 18-21, their isomers or salts thereof.

In one embodiment, this invention provides a catalytic process for preparing formamides by dehydrogenative coupling of methanol and amine of formula R²⁷R^(27′)NH:

wherein R²⁷ and R^(27′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted, saturated or unsaturated: alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; wherein said process comprising the step of reacting said methanol and said amine in the presence of the manganese complex of formula VI, VIA, VIB, or VIC thereby generating an amide; wherein if a manganese complex of formula VIA or VIB is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is added; wherein if a manganese complex of formula VI or VIC is used as a catalyst, an amount of base equivalent to the amount of catalyst or higher is optionally added.

In another embodiment, a process of dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines for the preparation of amides are exemplified in Example 27.

Processes for Preparing the Manganese Complexes

Also encompassed by the present invention are processes for preparing the manganese complexes of the present invention, and intermediates used in these processes.

The process for the preparation of the manganese complex of formula I(1) comprises reacting the ligand a in the presence of Mn(CO)₅Br (Scheme 20) to obtain precursor b followed by dearomatization (for example, by using KO^(t)Bu) and decarbonylation (Scheme 20); or followed by decarbonylation and dearomatization (Scheme 21).

wherein L¹, L² and Z, are as defined above for formula I(1).

wherein L¹, L² and Z, are as defined above for formula I(1).

In one embodiment, the process for the preparation of the manganese complex of formula IB, wherein the ligands L₁ and L₂ are nitrogen and phosphorus, is presented in Scheme 22 and Example 15:

The process for the preparation of the manganese complex of formula VI(I), VIB(I), or VIC(1) comprises reacting the ligand 1 in the presence of Mn(CO)₅Br (Scheme 23) to obtain VIB(I)(Br); reduction of the last yields VIB(1)(H), whereas treatment of VIB(1)(Br) with a base provides the compound VI(1); VIC(1) is formed from VI(1), with or without heating.

In one embodiment a process for the preparation of complex 1 is presented in Example 1.

In one embodiment a process for the preparation of complex 2 is presented in Example 3.

In one embodiment a process for the preparation of complex 19 is presented in Example 23.

In one embodiment a process for the preparation of complex 20 is presented in Example 24.

In one embodiment a process for the preparation of complex 18 is presented in Example 25.

In one embodiment a process for the preparation of complex 21 is presented in Example 26.

The disclosures of all cited references are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The following examples are presented in order to more fully illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention. They should in no way be construed, however, as limiting the broad scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

All ¹H NMR, ¹³C{¹H} NMR, and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker AMX-300, AMX-400, and AMX-500 NMR spectrometer and reported in ppm (δ). ¹H NMR, ¹³C{¹H} NMR, and ¹³C{¹H}-DEPTQ NMR chemical shifts are referenced with respect to tetramethylsilane, while ³¹P{¹H} NMR chemical shifts are reported referenced to an external 85% solution of phosphoric acid in D₂O. NMR spectroscopy abbreviations: b, broad; s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet, q, quartet; m, multiplet. IR spectra were recorded on a Nicolet FT-IR spectrophotometer. Mass spectra were recorded on MicromassPlatform LCZ 4000, using Electro Spray Ionization (ESI) mode. GC-MS was carried out on HP 6890/5973 (MS detector) instruments equipped with a 30 m column (Restek 5MS, 0.32 mm internal diameter) with a 5% phenylmethylsilicone coating (0.25 mm) and helium as carrier gas.

Example 1 Synthesis of Manganese Complex of Formula 1

Step 1: Preparation of mer-[Mn(PNP^(iPr))(CO)₃]Br (IA)

In a 20 mL vial, 2,6-bis(di-^(i)propyl-phosphinomethyl)pyridine (PNP^(iPr)ligand) (340 mg, 1.0 mmol) was dissolved in 5 mL of benzene and slowly added to a stirred suspension of Mn(CO)₅Br (280 mg, 1.0 mmol) in 5 mL benzene in a separate 20 mL vial. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 36 h. The obtained suspension was distributed between 2 vials which were subsequently layered with pentane. The resulting yellow powder was decantated washed with pentane and dried under vacuum until constant mass, Yield: 480 mg, 85.5%.

³¹P{¹H} NMR(162.07 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 89.2 (s, 2P).

¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 1.18 (br, 12H, (CH₃)₂CHP), 1.28 (br, 12H, (CH₃)₂CHP), 2.58 (br, 4H, (CH₃)₂CHP), 3.95 (br, 4H, CH₂P), 7.70 (br, 3H, CH_(pyri)).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (100.67 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 19.12 (s, 8C, ((H₃)₂CHP), 27.86 (s, 4C, (CH₃)₂CHP), 128.13 (s, 3C, CH_(pyri(3,4,5))), 163.09 (s, 2C, CH_(pyri(2,6))), 216.5 (s, 2C, Mn—CO), 222.4 (s, 1C, Mn—CO).

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): ν_(3CO): 1826, 1911 (large, same intensity), 1945 (small, overlapping).

Elemental analysis calculated (found) for C₂₂H₃₅BrMnNO₃P₂: C, 47.33 (48.09), H, 6.35 (6.45), N, 2.51 (1.91) %.

Step 2: Preparation of cis-[Mn(PNP^(iPr))(CO)₂Br] (1B)

mer-[Mn(PNP^(iPr))(CO)₃]Br (480 mg, 0.85 mmol) was suspended in 20 mL THF, and transferred to a sealed 50 mL Schlenk tube. The solution was irradiated with UVB light under stirring for 36 hours until a clear solution was received (product is completely soluble in THF). During the irradiation (after 24 h and 48 h) the solution was exposed to an argon stream for 5 min (in order to reduce the CO pressure). The solution was transferred to a 20 mL vial and was concentrated under vacuum to a volume of 5 mL. After layering with pentane and letting the solution stand for 48 h at room temperature, the product precipitates as pale yellow powder. The solution was decantated and the solids were washed with pentane and dried under vacuum, Yield: 390 mg 0.73 mmol, 86%.

³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.07 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 85.71 (s, 2P).

¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 1.22, 1.33, 1.40 (overlap, 24H, (CH₃)₂CHP), 2.53 (br, 2H, (CH₃)₂CHP), 3.04 (br, 2H, (CH₃)₂CHP), 3.50 (d, ³J_(HH)=15.4 Hz, 2H, CH₂P), 3.90 (d, ³J_(HH)=15.6 Hz, 2H, CH₂P), 7.22 (br, 2H, CH_(pyri(3,5)), 7.48 (br, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (100.67 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 18.8 (s, 2C, (CH₃)₂CHP), 19.58 (s, 2C, (CH₃)₂CHP), 19.93 (s, 4C, (CH₃)₂CHP), 25.93 (s, 2C, (CH₃)₂CHP), 26.46 (s, 2C, (CH₃)₂CHP), 41.17 (s, 2C, CH₂P), 120.4 (s, 2C, CH_(pyri(3,5))), 136.72 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(4))), 163.7 (s, 2C, C_(pyri(2,6))). CO resonances are not observed.

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1827, 1913 (ν_(2CO symmetic)+ν_(2CO anisymmetric), 1:1 ratio).

Elemental analysis calculated (found) for C₂₁H₃₅MnNO₂P₂Br: C, 47.56 (47.43), H, 6.65 (6.67), N, 2.64 (2.32) %.

Step 3: Preparation of cis-[Mn(PNP*^(iPr))(CO)₂] (1)

cis-[Mn(PNP^(iPr))(CO)₂Br] (90 mg, 0.17 mmol) was suspended in 5 mL THF, KO^(t)Bu (20 mg, 0.18 mmol) was dissolved in 5 mL THF and added dropwise to the suspension, which turned dark. The solution was evaporated and redissolved in 10 ml of pentane and filtered through Teflon syringe filter (0.2 μm). The solution was kept in −38° C. freezer for 48 h to form red crystals. The crystals were dacanted and dried under vacuum, Yield: 50 mg, 0.11 mmol, 65%.

³¹P{¹H} NMR (202.5 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 69.51 (d, ²J_(PP)=72.0 Hz, 1P, PCH═C), 87.17 (d, ²J_(PP)=72.0 Hz, 1P, PCH₂C).

¹H NMR (500.13 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 0.81 (dd, ³J_(PH)=14.2 Hz, ³J_(HH)=7.11 Hz, 6H, ((CH₃)₂CHP), 0.98 (dd, ³J_(PH)=14.9 Hz, ³J_(HH)=6.9 Hz, 6H, ((CH₃)₂CHP), 1.17 (m, 12H, ((CH₃)₃CP), 1.87 (dd, ³J_(PH)=15.2 Hz, ³J_(HH)=7.1 Hz, 2H, ((CH₃)₂CHP), 2.50 (dd, ³J_(PH)=14.5 Hz, ³J_(HH)=6.9 Hz, 2H, ((CH₃)₂CHP), 2.60 (d, ²J_(HH)=9.6 Hz, 2H, PCH₂), 3.59 (s, 1H, PCH), 5.32 (d, ³J_(HH)=5.6 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(3))), 6.23 (m, 1H, CH_(pyri(5))), 6.32 (m, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (100.67 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 18.02, 18.21, 18.7, 19.15 (s, 2C each, (C(H₃)₂CHP), 25.79 (d, ¹J_(CP)=28.3 Hz, 2C, (CH₃)₂CHP), 26.51 (d, ¹J_(CP)=21.1 Hz, 2C, (CH₃)₂CHP), 35.90 (d, ¹J_(CP)=16.6 Hz, 1C, PCH₂), 70.32 (d, ¹J_(CP)=43.0 Hz, 1C, PCH═C), 98.95 (d, ³J_(PC)=10.2 Hz, 1C, CH_(pyri(3))), 118.2 (d, ³J_(PC)=18.1 Hz, 1C, CH_(pyri(5))), 132.36 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(4))), 160.38 (s, 1C, C_(pyri(6))), 175.16 (d, ²J_(PC)=16.2 Hz, 1C, C_(pyri(2))), 238.76 (t, ²J_(CP)=17.3 Hz, 2C, Mn—CO).

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): solid state: 1827, 1913 (ν_(2CO symmetric)+ν_(2CO antisymmetric), 1:1 ratio); solution: 1852, 1919 (ν_(2CO symmetric)+∇_(2CO antisymmetric), 1:1 ratio), dinitrogen stretch was not observed.

Example 2 The Manganese Complex of Formula 7

Interestingly, in solution the manganese complex of formula 1 exists as a monomer, while in the solid state it exists as a dinitrogen-bridged dimer (7, FIG. 1 ). This was confirmed from DOSY NMR experiment. Moreover, at low temperature, a solution of the manganese complex of formula 1 revealed existance of an equilibrium between the monomer and dimer. The molecular structure of 7 exhibits a distorted octahedral geometry around Mn(I) center (FIG. 1 ).

TABLE 1 Selected bond lengths and angles of the manganese complex of formula 7 based on X-ray structure as presented in FIG. 1: Bond Distances [Å] Bond Angle [°] Mn1—P1 2.3023(5)  P1—Mn1—P2 163.15(2)  Mn1—P2 2.3091(5)  P3—Mn2—P4 164.11(2)  Mn2—P3 2.2892(6)  N1—Mn1—C21 177.94(7)  Mn2—P4 2.2970(6)  N2—Mn2—C42 178.01(7)  Mn1—N3 1.9393(13) Mn1—N3—N4 175.81(12) Mn2—N4 1.9405(13) Mn2—N4—N3 177.74(12) N3—N4 1.1135(18) N3—Mn1—C20 176.02(7)  C22—C23 1.505(3)  N4—Mn2—C41 176.61(7)  C27—C28 1.384(2)  C1—P1—Mn1 98.63(6) C1—C2 1.506(3)  C7—P2—Mn1 100.65(6)  C6—C7 1.385(2)  C22—P3—Mn2 100.23(6)  Mn1—N1 2.0845(14) C28—P4—Mn2 100.19(6)  Mn2—N2 2.0837(14) C1—C2—N1 115.42(15)

Example 3 Synthesis of Manganese Complex of Formula 2 (FIG. 3)

mer-[Mn(PNP^(tBu))(CO)₃]Br (2A):

2,6-bis(di-^(t)Butyl-phosphinomethyl)pyridine (PNP^(t-Bu) ligand) (537 mg, 1.36 mmol) was dissolved in 9 mL of benzene and added to a stirred suspension of Mn(CO)₅Br (380 mg, 1.36 mmol) in 9 mL benzene in a 20 mL vial. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 h. The obtained suspension was distributed equally between three vials, which were subsequently layered with n-pentene and kept at −38° C. The yellow precipitate was decanted, washed with n-pentane, and dried under reduced pressure (700 mg, 83% yield).

³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.07 MHz, (CD₃)₂SO, 25° C.): δ 109.37 (s, 2P). ¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, (CD₃)₂SO, 25° C.): δ 1.35 (d, ³J_(PH)=12.7 Hz, 36H, (CH₃)₃CP), 4.07 (d, ²J_(HP)=7.0 Hz, 4H, PCH₂), 7.65 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 2H, CH_(pyri(3,5))), 7.94 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (100.67 MHz, (CD₃)₂SO, 25° C.): δ 29.74 (s, 12C, (CH₃)₃CP), 36.76 (t, ¹J_(PC)=6.7 Hz, 4C, (CH₃)₃CP)), 38.34 (t, ¹J_(PC)=8.0 Hz, 2C, (CH₂P)), 122.76 (s, 2C, CH_(pyri(3,5))), 139.68 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(4))), 163.23 (s, 2C, CH_(pyri(2,6))), 220.46 (t, ²J_(PC)=15.9 Hz, 2C, Mn—CO), 223.91 (t, ²J_(PC)=12.8 Hz, 1C, Mn—CO).

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1919, 1932 (overlapping) (ν_(3CO asymmetric)+ν′_(3CO asymmetric)), 2021 (ν_(3CO symmetric)) in 10:1 ratio.

Elemental analysis (C₂₆H₄₃BrMnNO₃P₂) calculated (found): C, 50.83 (50.80) H, 7.05 (7.04) N, 2.28 (2.26) %.

mer-[Mn(PNP*^(tBu))(CO)₃] (2B)

Method A: via dearomatization of mer-[Mn(PNP^(tBu))(CO)₃]Br (2): mer-[Mn(PNP^(tBu)(CO)₃]Br (2) (50 mg, 0.08 mmol) was suspended in 4 mL THF. KO^(t)Bu (33 mg, 0.30 mmol) was dissolved in 2 mL THF and added dropwise to the suspension, which dissolved completely to give a brown homogeneous solution. The solution was allowed to stir for 0.5 h at ambient temperature. Subsequently all volatiles were evaporated in vacuo. The remaining brown residue was extracted with n-pentane (˜10 mL) and filtered through a Teflon syringe filter (0.2 μm). Brown crystals and amorphous precipitate were formed upon storing the solution at −38C for 48 h. The solids were decanted and dried under reduced pressure to yield 38 mg of a 2:1 mixture of mer-[Mn(PNP^(*tBu)(CO)₃] (2B) and cis-[Mn(PNP*^(tBu))(CO)₂] (2).

Method B: via CO addition to cis-[Mn(PNP*^(tBu))(CO)₂] (2): cis-[Mn(PNP*^(tBu)(CO)₂] (2) (8 mg, 0.016 mmol) was dissolved in 0.5 mL C₆D₆ and transferred to a J. Young NMR tube with Kontes valve. The tube was degassed and subsequently filled with 1 atm of CO gas, which resulted in a color change from dark blue to orange. Analysis by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy indicated the quantitative formation of mer-[Mn(PNP*^(tBu)(CO)₃] (2B).

³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.07 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 100.84 (br, 1P), 108.34 (br, 1P). ¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 1.11 (d, ³J_(PH)=12.4 Hz, 18H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.45 (d, ³J_(PH)=12.6 Hz, 18H, (CH₃)₃CP), 2.73 (d, ²J_(HP)=8.1 Hz, 2H, PCH₂), 3.78 (s, 1H, PCH), 5.54 (d, ³J_(HH)=6.4 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(3))), 6.25 (d, ³J_(HH)=8.7 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(5))), 6.48 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.3 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (100.67 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 30.49 (s, 12C, (CH₃)₃CP), 31.19 (s, 12C, (CH₃)₃CP), 37.29 (d, ¹J_(PC)=14.1 Hz, 1C, CH₂P), 37.64 (d, ¹J_(PC)=11.5 Hz, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 39.94 (d, ¹J_(PC)=17.2 Hz, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 67.52 (d, ¹J_(PC)=40.2 Hz, 1C, CHP), 102.11 (d, ³J_(PC)=7.6 Hz, 1C, CH_(pyri(3))), 113.08 (d, ³J_(PC)=15.0 Hz, 1C, CH_(pyri(5))), 131.96 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(4))), 157.85 (s, 1C, C_(pyri(6))), 171.75 (d, ²J_(PC)=17.2 Hz, 21.0 Hz, 1C, C_(pyri(2))), 224.66 (br, 2C, Mn—CO), 226.27 (br, 1C, Mn—CO).

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1884, 1924, 2020 ((ν_(3CO antisymmetric)+ν_(3CO antisymmetric))+ν_(3CO symmetric) in 10:10:1 ratio).

Elemental analysis (C₂₆H₄₂MnNO₃P₂) calculated (found): C, 58.53 (59.27) H, 7.94 (8.25) N, 2.63 (2.60) %.

cis-[Mn(PNP*^(tBu))(CO)₂] (2)

mer-[Mn(PNP^(tBu)(CO)₃]Br (2A) (150 mg, 0.24 mmol) was suspended in 7 mL THF. KO^(t)Bu (27 mg, 0.24 mmol) was dissolved in 5 mL THF and added dropwise to the suspension to give a brown solution. The solution was subsequently transferred to a Schlenk tube. The closed vessel was heated (oil-bath temperature of 90° C.) and purged ten times in 5 min intervals with a stream of argon followed by careful degassing under reduced pressure. Eventually the solvent was removed completely under reduced pressure. The resulting dark blue powder was dissolved in 10 mL of n-pentane and filtered through a Teflon syringe filter (0.2 μm). The solution was kept at −38° C. in a freezer for 48 h to form dark blue crystals. The crystals were decanted and dried under vacuum. (77 mg, 60% yield).

³¹P{¹H} NMR (202.5 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 87.15 (d, ²J_(PP)=68.2 Hz, 1P, PCH═C), 101.30 (d, ²J_(PP)=68.1 Hz, 1P, PCH₂C).

¹H NMR (500.13 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): 1.00 (d, ³J_(PH)=12.7 Hz, 18H, ((CH₃)₃CP), 1.28 (d, ³J_(PH)=13.0 Hz, 18H, ((CH₃)₃CP), 2.77 (d, ²J_(HP)=9.2 Hz, 2H, PCH₂), 3.82 (s, 1H, PCH), 5.45 (d, ³J_(HH)=5.9 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(3))), 6.36 (m, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))), 6.40 (m, 1H, CH_(pyri(5))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (125.76 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): 29.34 (d, ²J_(CP)=3.9 Hz, 6C, (CH₃)₃CP), 29.92 (d, ²J_(CP)=3.8 Hz, 6C, (CH₃)₃CP), 34.88 (d, ¹J_(CP)=13.4 Hz, 1C, PCH₂), 36.11 (d, ¹J_(CP)=13.7 Hz, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 37.65 (d, ¹J_(CP)=21.6 Hz, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 71.42 (d, ¹J_(CP)=43.9 Hz, 1C, PCH═C), 99.50 (d, ³J_(PC)=10.1 Hz, 1C, CH_(pyri(3))), 117.06 (d, ³J_(PC)=17.3 Hz, 1C, CH_(pyri(5))), 132.06 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(4))), 160.93 (dd, ^(2,3)J_(PC)=5.2 Hz, 8.4 Hz, 1C, C_(pyri(6))), 174.22 (dd, ^(2,3)J_(PC)=5.8 Hz, 21.0 Hz, 1C, C_(pyri(2))), 239.25(t, ²J_(CP)=17.3 Hz. 2C, Mn—CO).

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1833, 1904 (ν_(2CO symmetric)+ν_(2CO antisymmetric), 1:1 ratio).

Elemental analysis (C₂₅H₄₂MnNO₂P₂) calculated (found): C, 59.40 (59.72) H, 8.37 (8.46) N, 2.77 (2.70) %.

Example 4 Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) NMR Experiments of the Manganese Complexes 1 and 2

Diffusion NMR measurements were carried out on a Bruker 400 MHz Avance III NMR spectrometer equipped with a z-gradient system capable of producing a maximal pulse gradient of about 50 gauss cm⁻¹ in the z-direction. These diffusion experiments were performed using the longitudinal eddy currents diffusion (LED) sequence with the following parameters: 4 ms duration of sine shape pulse-gradients, which were incremented from 0.7 to 33.4 G cm⁻¹ in ten steps and the pulse gradient separation was 30 ms. All measurements were performed three times and the reported diffusion coefficients are the average±standard deviation of three experiments. The measurements were performed at 298.0 K using C₆D₆ used as a solvent.

DOSY  mesured   diffusion  coefficients :   D = (0.705 ± 0.01) × 10⁻⁵  cm²  S⁻¹ D = (0.735 ± 0.02) × 10⁻⁵  cm²  S⁻¹ The  connection  between  diffusion  coefficients  and  the  mass  of  the   molecoule,  is  given  by  the  following  relation : $\sqrt[3]{\frac{M_{j}}{M_{i}}} \leq \frac{D_{i}}{D_{j}} \leq \sqrt{\frac{M_{j}}{M_{i}}}$ The  ratio  of  mesured  diffusion  coefficients : D₂/D₁ = 1.04255 Mass  ratio  range  according  to  the   measured  diffusion  coefficients : $1.087 \leq \frac{M_{j}}{M_{i}} \leq 1.133$ The  calculated  mass  ratio, is  in  between  the  range : $\frac{M_{tBu}}{M_{iPr}} = {\frac{507.5}{451.4} = 1.124}$

The measured diffusion values suit the calculated mass ratio. Complex 2 exists as a monomer in both solution and solid state. DOSY experiment suggests that, complex 1 has similar diffusion values with that of 2, and hence it has a similar size. This confirms existence of 2 as a monomer in solution. (FIG. 9 )

Example 5 Dehydrogenative Coupling of Benzyl Alcohol and Benzylamines Using the Manganese Complexes of this Invention

The dehydrogenative coupling reaction of benzyl alcohol and benzylamine to give N-benzylidene-1-phenylmethanamine was chosen as a model system. Thus, a dry toluene solution containing equimolar amounts of benzyl alcohol and benzylamine, and a catalytic amount of complexes 1 or 2 was heated at 135° C. (bath temperature) for the specified time (Table 2). The products were analyzed by GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy and identified by comparison with authentic samples. Heating a solution of benzyl alcohol (0.5 mmol) and benzylamine (0.5 mmol) with the pyridine-based PNP manganese complex 2 (4 mol %) in a closed system under nitrogen atmosphere at 135° C. in toluene (2 mL) resulted in 76% conversion to N-benzylidene-1-phenylmethanamine after 30 h (Table 2, entry 1). Analysis of the gas phase by GC revealed the formation of H₂. Using complex 1, under the same conditions, 60% of N-benzylidene-1-phenylmethanamine was formed (Table 2, entry 2). No side products, like amide or ester were observed under the catalytic condition as seen in case of ruthenium catalysis [B. Gnanaprakasam, J. Zhang, D. Milstein, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2010, 49, 1468.]. Interestingly, no hydrogenated product like, dibenzylamine was observed in this case. Moreover, when the reaction was carried out with complex 2 in benzene (2 mL) for 36 h in a closed system, it resulted in 85% consumption of benzyl alcohol and 82% yield of N-benzylidene-1-phenylmethanamine, together with a small amount of unreacted aldehyde, generated from the alcohol (Table 2, entry 3). Lowering the manganese complex (2) loading to 3 mol % or 2 mol % resulted in 89% and 62% yield of N-benzylidene-1-phenylmethanamine, respectively, after 48 h (Table 2, entries 4 and 5). However, prolonging the reaction time to 60 h using 3 mol % of complex 2 resulted in 92% yield of the desired imine (Table 2, entry 6). It is noteworthy that when the dehydrogenation reaction was carried out in an open system under an argon atmosphere, 94% of N-benzylidene-1-phenylmethanamine was furnished, comparable yield with that of the closed system (Table 2, entries 6 and 7). Use of polar solvents seems to have an adverse effect on the rate of the catalytic reaction. Thus, when the reaction was carried out using dioxane or THF as solvents, only <5% of N-benzylidene-1-phenylmethanamine was formed in both the cases (Table 2, entries 8 and 9), the rest being the starting compounds (Table 2).

TABLE 2 Optimization of the reaction conditions for the dehydrogenative coupling of benzyl alcohol and benzylamine.^([a])

Mn cat Time Conv. Yield of Entry (mol %) Solvent (h) (%)^(b) imine (%)^(c) 1 2 (4) toluene 30 76 76 2 1 (4) benzene 36 85 82 3 2 (3) benzene 48 90 89 4 2 (2) benzene 48 62 62 5 2 (3) benzene 60 92 92 6 2 (3) benzene 60 94 94^(d) 7 2 (3) dioxane 60 <5 <5 8 2 (3) THF 60 <5 <5 ^(a)Reaction condition: alcohol (0.5 mmol), amine (0.5 mmol), Mn cat, solvent (2 mL) at 135° C. (bath temperature) in a closed system under nitrogen atmosphere; ^(b)based on the consumption of benzyl alcohol; ^(c)yields were determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy with respect to toluene or dioxane as an internal standard or by GC-analysis; ^(d)reaction was carried out under argon atmosphere in an open system.

Example 6 Dehydrogenative Coupling of Various Alcohols and Amines Using the Manganese Complexes of this Invention

Under the optimized conditions (Table 2, entry 6), the substrate scope of the manganese-catalysed dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines was explored. A variety of substituted benzyl alcohols undergo efficient dehydrogenative coupling with amines containing either electron-donating or -withdrawing substituents (Table 3). Thus, heating a solution of benzyl alcohol with cyclohexylamine or 2-phenylethylamine using catalyst 2 at 135° C. in benzene (2 mL) in a closed system resulted in the formation of the corresponding imines exclusively in 93% and 95% yields, respectively (Table 3, entries 1 and 2). Similarly, 4-methoxybenzylamine and 4-fluorobenzylamine react with benzyl alcohol under similar reaction conditions gave 97% and 52% of the corresponding imines (Table 3, entries 3 and 4). Analysis of the reaction mixture in latter case by ¹H NMR and GC-MS indicated the presence of the starting materials and a small amount of aldehyde, generated in-situ from the corresponding alcohols by dehydrogenation. Complex 2 also catalysed effectively the reaction of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol with benzylamine, cyclohexylamine, and 4-fluorobenzylamine to afford the corresponding imines in 93%0, 78%, and 73% yields, respectively (Table 3, entries 5-7). Use of amines bearing electron donating substituents resulted in higher yields than amines with electron withdrawing substituents, presumably because of higher nucleophilicity of the former. When hexylamine reacted with 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol only 50% of the corresponding imine was formed under analogous reaction conditions (Table 3, entry 8). Prolonging the reaction time slightly increased the yield of the desired imine. Reaction of 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol with 2-phenylethylamine or cyclohexylamine furnished the corresponding imines in 99% and 78% yields, respectively (Table 3, entries 9 and 10), 4-methylbenzyl alcohol reacted with the 4-fluorobenzylamine to yield the corresponding imine in 65% yield and traces of aldehyde (Table 3, entry 11). Alcohols with an electron withdrawing substituent at the para-position also underwent the catalytic reaction. Thus, reaction of 4-fluorobenzyl alcohol with benzylamine or cyclohexylamine using catalyst 2 produced 91% and 78% of the corresponding imines, respectively (Table 3, entries 12 and 13). Further, the catalytic reaction of 4-chlorobenzyl alcohol with benzylamine and cyclohexylamine under analogous reaction conditions yielded 99% and 70% of the corresponding imines, respectively (Table 3, entries 14 and 15). However, the reaction with aliphatic amines under analogous reaction conditions proceeds slowly and reaction of 4-cholorobenzyl alcohol with hexylamine produced the imine in 45% yield (Table 3, entry 16). The lower yield of hexylamine compared to cyclohexylamine could be attributed to the higher nucleophilicity of the latter. Aliphatic alcohols also react with an aliphatic amine under the reaction condition to give the imine, albeit slower rate. Thus, 1-hexanol reacts with cyclohexylamine to yield the corresponding imine in 30% yield (Table 3, entry 18). Prolonging the reaction time did not increase the yield of the desired amine appreciably.

TABLE 3 Dehydrogenative coupling of various alcohols and amines catalyzed by 2.^([a])

Conv. Yield Entry Alcohol Amine Imine (%)^(b) (%)^(c) 1

97 93 2

96 95 3

99 97 4

55 52 5

93 93 6

85 78 7

73 73 8

50 50 9

>99 >99 10

91 78 11

71 65 12

95 91 13

80 78 14

>99 >99 15

75 70 16

57 45 17

42 30 ^(a)Reaction condition: alcohol (0.5 mmol), amine (0.5 mmol), Mn cat (3 mol %), benzene (2 mL) at 135° C. (bath temperature) for 60 h in a closed system under nitrogen atmosphere; ^(b)based on the consumption of alcohol; ^(c)yields were determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy with respect to toluene or dioxane as an internal standard or by GC-analysis.

Example 7 Proposed Mechanism for the Formation of Imines

To gain insight about possible intermediates and mechanistic implications during the reaction course, reaction of complex 2 with benzyl alcohol was monitored by ³¹P{¹H}NMR spectroscopy (FIG. 7 ). Complex 2 exhibits a set of two sharp doublets at δ 87.15 and 101.3 ppm (²J_(P-P)=68.2 Hz) in the ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum (FIG. 7A). Upon dissolving it in benzyl alcohol (270 equivalents), a dramatic change in the ³¹P NMR spectrum was observed, with the appearance of a broad singlet at δ 104.5 ppm, signifying a dynamic process taking place (FIG. 7B). This could be due to the reversible formation of an alkoxo complex with concomitant aromatization of the pincer ligand. In order to verify this, independently the alkoxo complex [Mn(PNP^(tBu2)OCH₂Ph)(CO)₂] (9) was synthesized by adding 3 eq of benzyl alcohol into a saturated pentane solution of complex 2. Storing the reaction mixture at −38° C. for 72 h resulted formation of single crystals of complex 9. The molecular structure of 9 was unambiguously established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (FIG. 5A), which revealed the activation of the O—H bond of the benzyl alcohol by complex 2. Complex 9 exhibits a Mn(I) center in a distorted octahedral geometry, with the alkoxo moiety bound in an axial position to the manganese center. The IR spectrum of 9 exhibits absorption bands at 1814 and 1891 cm⁻¹ that are characteristic of an octahedral di-carbonyl compound in a cis arrangement. In continuation of the NMR experiment, after 20 minutes from addition of benzyl alcohol to complex 2, a new set of two sharp AB doublets appeared in solution at δ 120.2 and 126.2 ppm (²J_(P-P)=106.4 Hz, FIG. 7C), which was assigned to the aldehyde adduct, [Mn(PNP^(tBu)OCHPh)(CO)₂] (10, FIG. 5B), and was independently prepared. Formation of complex 10 presumably involves the dehydrogenation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde by 2 through a double hydrogen transfer (FIG. 4 ). Accordingly, the proposed mechanism of this process suggests that the dehydrogenation of the alcohol proceeds through a (presumably concerted) bifunctional proton and hydride transfer, illustrated as transition state C (FIG. 4 ). It is noteworthy to mention that, formation of the aldehyde by direct β-H elimination of the alkoxy ligand of the coordinatively saturated complex 9 is less likely. The identity of 10 was also verified by its independent synthesis. Thus, treating a saturated THF solution of complex 2 with 2 eq of benzladehyde separately, followed by exposure to pentane vapour in a sealed 20 mL vial, after 72 h at room temperature formation of single crystals of 10 suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis was formed. The solid state structure of complex 10 shown in FIG. 5B indicates the aldehyde bound to the metal ligand framework in a cooperative fashion with Mn—O and C—O bonds. Complex 10 was separately dissolved in neat benzyl alcohol to verify the ³¹P NMR shift and was found to be in accordance with the NMR experiment (FIG. 7F). Moreover, in continuation of the NMR experiment, after 60 minutes a new singlet at δ 128.7 ppm appeared (FIGS. 7D and 7E). This was identified to be the hydride complex [Mn(PNP^(tBu2)—H)(CO)₂] (11). Interestingly, when this reaction mixture was pressurized with H₂, an increase in intensity of the singlet at δ 128.7 ppm was observed. This suggests the formation of the Mn—H complex 11. Moreover, complex 11 was separately synthesized by treatment of 2 with H₂ in C₆D₆. The ¹H NMR spectrum of complex 11 shows a hydride resonance at δ −4.19 ppm. The molecular structure of 11 as obtained from a single crystal x-ray analysis (FIG. 5C). It was separately dissolved in neat benzyl alcohol to verify the ³¹P NMR shift and was found to be in accordance with the NMR experiment (FIG. 7F). Complex 11 then undergoes dehydrogenation under the catalytic condition to regenerate the active complex 2 which then enters into the second catalytic cycle (FIG. 4 ). On the other hand, the released aldehyde reacts with an amine to yield an unstable hemiaminal which releases a molecule of water to form the final imine product.

Example 8 Synthesis and Characterization of Intermediates in the Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Alcohols (Intermediate Complexes 9, 10 and 11)

Preparation of cis-[Mn(PNP^(tBu)—OCH₂Ph)CO)₂] (Intermediate Complex 9):

Benzyl alcohol (15 mg, 0.14 mmol) was added to 2.5 mL pentane solution of cis-Mn(PNP*^(tBu))(CO)₂ (30 mg, 0.06 mmol) in 20 mL vial. The solution was kept at −38° C. in the freezer for 48 h. The obtained large red crystals were decanted, washed with pentane and dried under vacuum, Yield: 32 mg, 0.052 mmol, 86%.

Elemental analysis (C₃₂H₅₀MnNO₃P₂) calculated (found): C, 62.63 (62.52), H, 8.21 (8.32), N, 2.28 (1.90) %.

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1814, 1891 (ν_(2CO symmetric)+ν_(2CO antisymmetric), 1:1 ratio).

FIG. 5A presents X-ray structure of the intermediate complex 9.

TABLE 4 Selected bond lengths and angles of the manganese intermediate complex 9: Bond Distances [Å] Bond Angle [°] Mn1—P1 2.3863(9)  P1—Mn1—P2 158.27(3)  Mn1—P2 2.3524(9)  P1—Mn1—O3 92.78(6) Mn1—O3 2.0130(19) P1—Mn1—N1 77.87(7) Mn1—N1 2.078(2)  P2—Mn1—N1 80.67(7) Mn1—C31 1.769(3)  N1—Mn1—C32 176.84(11) Mn1—C32 1.776(3)  C31—Mn1—O3 176.64(10) C1—C2 1.508(4)  C31—Mn1—C32  85.36(12) C6—C7 1.500(4)  P1—C1—C2 105.99(18) C31—O1 1.170(3)  P2—C7—C6 109.74(18) C24—O3 1.380(3)  C2—N1—C6 118.9(2)  Preparation of cis-[Mn(PNP^(tBu)—OCHPh)(CO)₂] (Intermediate Complex 10):

Benzyaldehyde (15 mg, 0.14 mmol) was added to 2.5 mL pentane solution of cis-Mn(PNP*^(tBu))(CO)₂ (30 mg, 0.06 mmol) in 20 mL vial. The solution was kept at −38° C. in the freezer for 48 h. The obtained large red crystals were decanted, washed with pentane and dried under vacuum. (76% yield, 28 mg, 0.046 mmol).

³¹P{¹H} NMR (202.44 MHz, C₆D₆, 7° C.): δ 124.48 (d, ²J_(PP)=111.6 Hz, 1P, PCH₂), 130.55 (d, ²J_(PP)=111.6 Hz, 1P, PCHC).

³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.07 MHz, benzyl alcohol, 7° C.): δ 120.2 (d, ²J_(PP)=106.4 Hz, 1P, PCH₂), 126.2 (d, ²J_(PP)=106.4 Hz, 1P, PCHC).

¹H NMR (500.08 MHz, C₆D₆, 7° C.): 1.09 (br, 18H, ((CH₃)₃CP), 1.51 (d, ³J_(PH)=11.8 Hz, 9H, ((CH₃)₃CP), 1.60 (br, 9H, ((CH₃)₃CP), 2.74 (dd, ²J_(HH)=15.9 Hz, ³J_(PH)=10 Hz, 1H, CH₂P), 3.19 (d, ²J_(HH)=15.9 Hz, 1H, PCH₂), 2.60 (d, ²J_(HH)=9.6 Hz, 2H, PCH₂), 4.37 (d, ³J_(PH)=8.9 Hz 1H, PCHC), 5.95 (s, 1H, CHCO), 6.31 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.4 Hz, CH_(pyri(3))), 6.53 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.6 Hz, CH_(pyri(5))), 6.58 (t, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.6 Hz, C_(pyri(4))), 7.05 (t, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.1 Hz, C_(pyri(4))), 7.22 (t, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.5 Hz, CH_(pyri(3,5))), 7.62 (d, 1H, ³J_(HH)=7.6 Hz, CH_(Ph(2,6)).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (125.75 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): 30.64 (s, 12C, (CH₃)₃CP), 36.79 (d, ¹J_(CP)=10.6 Hz, 1C, PCH₂), 37.1 (d, ¹J_(CP)=22.3 Hz, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 37.8 (d, ¹J_(CP)=14.7 Hz, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 56.22 (d, ¹J_(CP)=6.3 Hz, 1C, PCHC), 77.47 (s, 1C, PhCHO), 118.51 (s, 1C, C_(pyri(3))), 121.9 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(5))), 125.36 (s, 2C, CH_(Ph)), 127.28 (s, 3C, CH_(Ph)), 135.05 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(4))), 148.94 (s, 1C, CPh(ipso)), 161.69 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(6))), 164.81 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(2))), 233.99 (s, 1C, Mn—CO), 235.08 (s, 1C, Mn—CO).

Elemental analysis (C₃₂H₁₈MnNO₃P₂) calculated (found): C, 62.84 (62.07), H, 7.91 (7.95), N, 2.29 (1.74) %.

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1820, 1899 (ν_(2CO symmetric)+ν_(2CO antisymmetric), 1:1 ratio).

FIG. 5B presents X-ray structure of the intermediate complex 10.

TABLE 5 Selected bond lengths and angles of the manganese intermediate complex 10: Bond Distances [Å] Bond Angle [°] Mn1—P1 2.3161(15) P1—Mn1—P2 162.77(6)  Mn1—P2 2.3325(15) P1—Mn1—O3 97.18(10) Mn1—O3 2.107(4)  P1—Mn1—N1 81.02(12) Mn1—N1 2.057(4)  P2—Mn1—N1 81.78(12) Mn1—C24 1.772(5)  N1—Mn1—C24 98.9(2)  Mn1—C25 1.792(5)  C24—Mn1—O3 170.21(19)  C7—C26 1.592(7)  N1—Mn1—C25 171.1(2)   C26—O3 1.392(6)  C25—Mn1—O3 93.44(18) C1—P1 1.866(5)  P2—Mn1—N1 81.78(12) C7—P2 1.871(4)  C7—C26—O3 109.7(4)   Preparation of cis-[Mn(PNP^(tBu)—H)(CO)₂] (Intermediate Complex 11):

Hydrogen gas (2 atm) was pressured into a sealed 50 mL Schlenk tube containing 15 mL pentene solution of cis-Mn(PNP*^(tBu2))(CO)₂ (30 mg, 0.06 mmol). The product precipitated as yellow powder, and transferred to 20 mL vial washed with pentane and dried under vacuum (92% yield, 28 mg, 0.055 mmol). Single crystal suitable for x-ray analysis received when concentrated (10 mg/mL), THF/pentene (1:1) solution of complex D was stored at the freezer (−38° C.) for 2 weeks.

³¹P{¹H} NMR (202.44 MHz, tol-d₈, 25° C.): δ 132.02 (s, 2P).

³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.07 MHz, benzyl alcohol, 25° C.): δ 128.7 (s, 2P).

¹H NMR (500.08 MHz, tol-d₈, 25° C.): δ −4.19 (t, ²J_(PH)=52.9 Hz, Mn—H), 1.25 (s, 18H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.38 (s, 18H, (CH₃)₃CP), 2.99 (d, ²J_(HH)=15.8 Hz, 2H, CH₂P), 3.12 (d, ²J_(HH)=16.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂P), 6.43 (s, 2H, CH_(pyri(3,5))), 6.66 (s, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (100.67 MHz, tol-d₈, 25° C.): δ 29.97 (s, 6C, (CH₃)₃CP), 30.33 (s, 6C, (C(H₃)₃CP), 36.25 (s, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 37.92 (s, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 39.07 (s, 2C, CH₂P), 118.59 (s, 2C, CH_(pyri(3,5))), 133.26 (s, 1C, CH_(pyri(4))), 163.66 (s, 2C, CH_(pyri(2,6))), 230.22 (s, 1C, Mn—CO), 236.38 (s, 1C, Mn—CO).

FIG. 5C presents X-ray structure of the intermediate complex 11.

TABLE 6 Selected bond lengths and angles of the manganese intermediate complex 11: Bond Distances [Å] Bond Angle [°] Mn1—P1  2.2323(19) P1—Mn1—P2 158.23(12) Mn1—P2 2.265(2) H1—Mn1—C25 164(4)    Mn1—H1 1.23(8)  P1—Mn1—N1  81.73(14) Mn1—N1 2.105(6) P2—Mn1—N1  83.26(15) Mn1—C24 1.757(7) N1—Mn1—C24 166.4(3)  Mn1—C25 1.810(7) Mn1—C24—O1 179.4(6)  C1—C2 1.501(9) N1—Mn1—C25 95.8(3)  C6—C7 1.501(9) C24—Mn1—H1 88(3)   C1—P1 1.859(7) P2—Mn1—N1  83.26(15) C7—P2 1.840(6) Mn1—C25—O2 176.8(6) 

Crystal data were measured at 100° K. on a Bruker Apex-II KappaCCD diffractometer equipped with [λ(Mo—Kα)=0.71073 Å] radiation, graphite monochromator and MiraCol optics. The data were processed with APEX-II collect package programs. Structures were solved by the AUTOSTRUCTURE module and refined with full-matrix least-squares refinement based on F² with SHELXL-97.

Example 9 Catalytic Michael Reactions with α-CH₂ Groups

Mechanism:

The manganese complex 2 reacted with benzyl cyanide with formation of C—C and Mn—N bonds owing to a [1,3]-addition reaction mediated by a dearomatization/aromatization pathway as presented in the following scheme:

Upon addition of two equivalents of benzyl cyanide to a deep blue solution of complex 2 in THF a drastic color change to red is observed. Recrystallization from THF/n-pentane at −38° C. gives the enamido complex intermediate 12 [Mn(PNP^(tBu)—HNCH═CHPh)(CO)₂] as large red crystals in 85% yield. The ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum of 12 shows the expected two doublets of the AB-spin system for two phosphorus nuclei in different chemical environment at higher frequencies (126.6 and 140.1 ppm) and with a significantly larger coupling constant with respect to the dearomatized complex 2 (²J_(PP)=100 Hz in 12 vs. 68 Hz in 2). The ¹H NMR resonances centered at 4.39 ppm (s, amido 1H, Mn—NH) and 5.41 (s, olefinic 1H, C═CHPh) indicate the formation of an enamido motif in 12. The carbonyl stretches in the IR spectrum (KBr pellet) appear at 1832 and 1905 cm⁻¹ in a 1:1 ratio signifying a mutual cis-arrangement of both carbonyls.

An X-ray diffraction study of crystals of the enamido complex 12 (FIG. 8 ) exhibits a distorted octahedral coordination sphere, formed by the meridional PNP^(tBu2) pincer ligand and two CO ligands in mutual cis-positions, and the amido moiety in an axial position. A short C26-C27 inter-atomic distance (1.383 Å) typical of a C═C double bond is observed, accompanied by a long C26-N2 (1.345 Å) bond indicating a C—N single bond adjacent to an sp² hybridized carbon. The [1,3]-addition of benzyl cyanide to 2 to form 12 is characterized by the newly formed C—C single bond between the exo-cyclic carbon of the pincer (C7-C26=1.540 Å), and a Mn—N bond (Mn1-N2=2.058 Å).

The [1,3]-addition of benzyl cyanide to 2 with C—C and Mn—N bond formation is reversible. This is clearly demonstrated when a solution of complex 12 in benzene is treated with one atmosphere of CO gas at ambient temperature. The dearomatized tris-carbonyl complex 3 is readily formed with concomitant displacement of benzyl cyanide. The reaction can be conveniently followed by ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. Representative spectra of the transformation of 12 into 3 are shown in FIG. 10 .

Catalytic Michael Reaction: As shown above, [Mn(PNP^(tBu2)*)(CO)₂] (2) readily reacts with benzyl cyanide to form the enamido complex 12. Both compounds 2 and 12 are potent catalysts for the Michael addition of benzyl cyanide to ethyl acrylate. At ambient temperature in benzene ethyl 4-cyano-4-phenylbutanoate is obtained within 12 h in 90% and 93% yield, respectively (1 mmol scale, 1:1 substrate ratio).

Example 10 Preparation of Manganese Complex 12

cis-[Mn(PNP^(tBu)—NHC═CHPh)(CO)₂] (12):

cis-Mn(PNP*^(tBu))(CO)₂(2) (22 mg, 0.043 mmol) was dissolved in 1 mL THF in a 20 ml vial. Subsequently benzyl cyanide (10 mg, 0.085 mmol) was added resulting in a color change of the solution from dark blue to red. The solution was layered with 4 mL n-pentane and kept at −38° C. in the freezer for 48 h. The formed large red crystals were decanted, washed with n-pentane and dried under reduced pressure. (23 mg, 85% yield). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.07 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 126.64 (d, ²J_(PP)=98.6 Hz, 1P), 140.14 (d, ²J_(PP)=100.7 Hz, 1P). ¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 0.69 (d(br), ³J_(PH)=10.7 Hz, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.00 (d, ³J_(PH)=10.5 Hz, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.39 (d, J³ _(PH)=12.1 Hz, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.58 (d, ³J_(PH)=11.7 Hz, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 2.76 (dd, ²J_(HH)=16.1 Hz ²J_(HP)=10.2 Hz, 1H, (CH₂)P), 3.21 (dd, ²J_(HH)=16.0 Hz, ²J_(HP)=3.7 Hz, 1H, (CH₂)P), 4.09 (d, ²J_(HP)=9.3 Hz 1H, PCH), 4.39 (s, 1H, Mn—NH), 5.41 (s, 1H, Ph-CH═C), 6.35 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.6 Hz, 1H, CH_((pyridine(3)))), 6.73 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.6 Hz, 1H, CH_((pyridine(5)))), 6.82 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.6 Hz, 1H, CH_((pyridine(4)))), 6.90 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.3 Hz, 1H, CH_((aryl-para))), 7.29 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 2H, CH_((aryl-meta))), 7.49 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 2H, CH_((aryl-ortho))).¹³C{¹H} NMR (100.67 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 30.02 (br, 3C, (CH₃)₃CP), 30.76, 30.98, 31.17 (3 peaks overlapping, 9C, (CH₃)₃CP), 36.84 (br, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 37.20 (d, ¹J_(PC)=11.8 Hz, 1C, PCH₂), 37.81 (m, 2C, (CH₃)₃CP), 63.25 (d, ¹J_(PC)=9.9 Hz, 1C, PCH), 91.19 (s, 1C, Ph-CH═C), 118.34 (d, ²J_(PC)=6.6 Hz, 1C CH_((pyridine(3)))), 118.79 (d, ²J_(PC)=5.9 Hz, 1C CH_((pyridine(5)))), 119.79 (s, 1C, CH_((aryl-para))), 123.30 (s, 2C, CH_((aryl-ortho))), 128.70 (s, 2C, CH_((aryl-meta))), 136.10 (d, ²J_(PC)=5.9 Hz, 1C CH_((pyridine(4)))), 144.03 (s, 1C, C_(iso (aryl))), 154.31 (d, ²J_(PC)=9.2 Hz, 1C, C_(iso (pyridine))), 161.00 (d, ²J_(PC)=4.9 Hz, 1C, C_(ipso (pyridine))), 165.18 (m, 1C, CH═C—NH), 232.83 (br, 1C, Mn—CO), 234.92 (br, 1C, Mn—CO). IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1832, 1905 (ν_(2CO symmetric)+ν_(2CO antisymmetric), 1:1 ratio). Elemental analysis (C₃₃H₄₉MnN₂O₂P₂) calculated (found): C, 63.66 (64.25) H, 7.93 (8.24) N, 4.50 (4.11) %.

The X-ray structure of complex 12 is presented in FIG. 8 .

Example 11 Catalytic Michael Reactions with Aliphatic Nitriles

Procedure for the Catalytic Reactions of Aliphatic Nitriles and Benzyl Cyanide with α,β-Unsaturated Esters and Ketones

Procedure A (with Additional Solvent):

A stock solution containing 5 mg/mL (0.01 mmol/mL) of cis-[Mn(PNP*^(tBu))(CO)₂] (2) in the particular reaction media (solvent: C₆H₆, THF, DCM, or n-pentane) was prepared. To 0.5 mL of the stock solution (0.005 mmol catalyst) 1 mmol of nitrile is added followed by the addition of 1 mmol of the specific α,β-unsaturated compound. The mixture stirred at room temperature (˜22° C.) for the indicated time and quenched by introduction of non-dried n-pentane. The yield was determined by integration of ¹H NMR signals with respect to the suitable standard either toluene for the reaction in THF, dichloromethane, and n-pentane, or dioxane for C₆H₆ (done before quenching). The products were purified according to the indicated method, isolated yields are reported.

Procedure B (Neat Nitrile):

A stock solution of propionitrile containing 5 mg/mL (0.01 mmol/mL) of cis-[Mn(PNP*^(tBu2))(CO)₂] (2) was prepared. To 0.5 mL of stock solution (0.005 mmol catalyst) 1 mmol of the specific α,β-unsaturated compound is added. The mixture stirred at room temperature (˜22° C.) for the indicated time and quenched by introduction of non-dried n-pentane. The yield was determined by integration of ¹H NMR signals with respect to toluene as an external standard. The products were purified according to the indicated method, isolated yields are reported.

Results:

A variety of aliphatic nitriles (R—CN wherein R=Me, Et, n-Pr, n-Bu, Table 7; entries 1-5) went facile Michael addition to ethyl acrylate catalyzed by complex 2 (0.5 mol %). The catalytic reactions were performed on a 2.5 mmol scale with a nitrile:ethyl acrylate ratio of 1:1, using benzene as solvent. The γ-cyanoesters were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. A common observed side product was the double addition product of two nitrile donors to ethyl acrylate, resulting in moderate yields for the addition reactions of acetonitrile (entry 1) to ethyl acrylate. When acetonitrile was used as a solvent (entry 2) the mono addition product was formed exclusively. Remarkably, the addition reaction of propionitrile to ethyl acrylate occurs very selectively in high yield and short reaction time (entry 3).

TABLE 7 Michael addition of aliphatic nitriles to ethyl acrylate catalyzed by 2.

Entry R Time (h) Conversion (%) Yield (%) Product 1 H 20 69 26(21)

20(17)

2^(a) H 40 90 89(83)

3 CH₃ 6 >99 93(82)

4 CH₃CH₂ 40 57 48(29)

5 CH₃CH₂CH₂ 40 72 67(48)

6 Ph 12 >99 94(84)

Reaction conditions: A solution containing 2.5 mmol of the substrates in a 1:1 ratio and 0.5 mol % complex 2 in 2 mL benzene was stirred under nitrogen at ambient temperature. ^(a))acetonitrile used as a solvent. Conversion with respect to the ethyl acrylate was determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis with suitable internal reference. The yields are determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis using reference substance (isolated yields are given in parenthesis).

α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds as suitable acceptors were studied. Table 8 exhibits reactions of propionitrile with various acrylates, methyl crotonate and cyclohex-2-enone (entries 1-8). The reactions were performed on a 1 mmol scale with respect to the Michael acceptor. The reactions given in entries 4-8 were performed in neat propionitrile as solvent. The reaction tolerates ketones (entry 2) as well as flourinated esters (entry 3), however the reaction with phenyl acrylate proceeds at a slow rate (entry 4). The effect of terminal substitution of the double bond in the Michael acceptor is significant. Reduction in the reaction rate and selectivity was observed in the addition of propionitrile to trans-methyl crotonate (entry 8). After an extended reaction time of 24 h only 40% conversion of the crotonate was detected and the desired addition product was formed in only 18% yield. In contrast, acceptors bearing a substituted terminal double bond react well. Thus, under the same reaction conditions, methyl methacrylate (entry 5) showed full conversion already after 12 h with the product obtained in 92% yield. Similarly, trifluoroethyl methacrylate resulted in 93% yield after 5 hours (entry 6). The very reactive Michael acceptor cyclohex-2-enone (entry 7) showed a tendency for homo-addition reactions to form [1,1′-bi(cyclohexan)]-6-ene-2,3′-dione causing low yield of the desired product.

TABLE 8 Michael addition reaction of propionitrile to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by complex 2. Time Conver- Yield Entry Nitrile Acceptor (h) sion (%) (%) Product 1

5 >99 93(71)^(a)

2

2 >99 86(84)^(a)

3

2 >99 93(71)^(a)

4

26 58 52

5

12 >99 92(92)^(a)

6

5 >99 93(90)^(a)

7

5 >99 33

8

24 40 18

Reaction conditions: 1 mmol of substrates, ratio 1:1. Complex 2 0.5 mol %, ambient temperature, 0.5 mL solvent: for entries 1-3 benzene; and for entries 4-8 neat propionitrile. The conversion, with respect to the acceptor, is determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis. The yields are determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis using reference substance. ^(a)isolated yield. For details see Supporting Information (page S18).

Example 12 Mechanistic Studies of Michael Reaction Using Aliphatic Nitriles with Complex 2

Non-activated, aliphatic nitriles are suitable substrates for Michael-type C—C couplings catalyzed by complex 2. The binding of propionitrile to 2 by means of temperature dependent NMR spectroscopy was studied. The ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum of a solution containing complex 2 and twelve equivalents of propionitrile in n-pentane at ambient temperature showed dynamic behavior with broad resonances assigned to the dearmomatized complex 2 (d 83.9 and d 98.9 ppm, ²J_(PP)=68 Hz). Upon cooling the sample stepwise to 235 K a new set of doublets at 126.5 and 163.8 ppm appears (AB system with ²J_(PP)=107 Hz, FIG. 11 ) indicating reversible binding of propionitrile to complex 2. The following thermochemical parameters for the binding of propionitrile to complex 2 were derived from a Vant Hoff plot: ΔH=−13.6 kcal/mol and ΔS=69.4 cal/molK.

In contrast to the reaction of 2 with benzyl cyanide (See Example 8), the ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum of the reaction with propionitrile in n-pentane shows resonances significantly shifted to higher frequencies, when compared to the spectrum of 12 (d 140.1 and 126.6 ppm), signifying the formation of a ketimido complex rather than an enamido species. Note that the ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum of the ketimido complex [Mn(PNP—N═CPh)(CO)₂], prepared from the reaction of 2 and benzonitrile has similar chemical shifts of the two phosphorus resonances (i.e. doublet at 165.6 ppm and 126.5 ppm with ²J_(PP)=106 Hz).

The ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum of a sample of complex 2 dissolved in neat propionitrile shows similar broad resonances at room temperature. Cooling the sample stepwise to 225 K gives rise to the appearance of sharp resonances, consistent with the formation of the ketimido species 14 as the major compound (d, 128.1 ppm and 166.0 ppm, ²J_(PP)=106 Hz). However, these resonances are accompanied by the formation of new signals, assigned to the enamido compound 15 as a minor species (d, 127.7 and 134.1 ppm, ²J_(PP)=106 Hz). Representative ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra are shown in FIG. 14 .

Evidently, propionitrile does not readily give the enamido compound 15, unlike the reaction of 2 with benzyl cyanide, which results in the enamido complex 12 However, there is evidence for the formation of an enamido moiety upon the reaction of 2 with a large excess of the nitrile at low temperature as presented in the following scheme:

Undoubtedly, the enamido tautomer 12 is stabilized by conjugation with the aromatic ring, which is lacking in case of 15.

Example 13 Solvent Effect in Michael's Reaction

Screening of different solvents in a Michael Reaction of propionitrile to ethyl acrylate in different solvents showed that non-polar solvents such as pentane and benzene are most suitable for the catalytic reaction as presented in Table 9 and in FIG. 13 .

TABLE 9 Time Conversion^(a) Yield^(b) Solvent (h) (%, NMR) (%) DCM 2.5 47 39  THF 2.5 68 61  benzene 2.5 88 78  n-pentane 2.5 >99 90  Neat 2 >99 80^(c) *Reaction conditions: 1 mmol ethyl acrylate and 1 mmol propionitrile in 0.5 mL solvent at RT. Catalyst load 0.5 mol %. ^(a)Conversion relative to ethyl acrylate ^(b)isolated yield (product contains traces of double addition byproduct). ^(c)NMR yield.

Example 14 Computational Studies of Michael Reaction Using Aliphatic Nitriles

Computational Methods

All geometries were optimized with the BP86 generalized-gradient approximation (GGA) functional and the def2-SV(P) basis set together with corresponding core potential for ruthenium.²²⁻²⁵ The D3 dispersion correction was used for the geometry optimizations.²⁶ Thermodynamic properties were obtained at the same level of theory from a frequency calculation. All free energies are calculated under standard conditions unless otherwise noted. Minima and transition states were characterized by the absence and presence of one imaginary frequency, respectively. Single point calculations were obtained with the TPSS meta-GGA functional in combination with the D3 dispersion correction and Becke-Johnson dumping and the larger triple-zeta def2-TZVP basis set.^(24,26,27,28) The TPSS functional was recently shown to yield results very close to explicitly correlated coupled cluster benchmark calculations for reaction energies and barriers involving transition metal complexes with pincer ligands.²⁸ In order to improve the computational efficient, the density fitting approximation with the W06 fitting basis sets, designed for use with the def2 basis sets, was used.^(30,31) In order to take solvent effects into account, the SMD solvation model for benzene was used for both, the geometry optimizations and the single point calculations.³² The “ultrafine” (i.e., a pruned (99,590)) grid was used for all calculations. All calculations were performed using Gaussian 09 Revision D.01

Results

To allow for a better understanding of the elementary steps involved in the catalytic transformation, DFT calculations at the TPSS-D3BJ/def2-TZVP//BP86-D3/def2-SV(P) level of theory were performed. Since zwitterionic intermediates might be involved, both the geometry optimizations and the single point energy calculations were performed using the SMD solvation model for benzene. Propionitrile and ethylacrylate were chosen as representative substrates.

Based on the calculations the nitrile first coordinates to 2 to give H, which can undergo C—C bond formation to give the aforementioned ketimido complex 14 (FIG. 14 ).

The formation of complex 14 is predicted to be endergonic at 298 K but is computed to be slightly exergonic at 235 K:

The calculated free energies agree with the observation made by NMR (FIG. 11 ) that in the presence of an excess of propionitrile only 2 can be observed at 298 K, whereas at 235 K 14 is detectable. Furthermore, the computed ΔH value of −10.3 kcal/mol is in favorable agreement with the value derived from the Vant Hoff plot analysis of the temperature dependent NMR investigation in pentane (ΔH=−13.6 kcal/mol). Next, we investigated the tautomerism pathway leading to the enamide 15 (FIG. 15 ). The ketimide nitrogen in complex 14 can be assumed to be basic; therefore we commenced to elucidate whether it could deprotonate an acidic CH of a second propionitrile molecule. Starting from the hydrogen bond complex I, a relaxed potential energy surface scan over the NH distance did not yield a barrier. The zwitterionic complex J could be localized as local minima. A second proton transfer via TS2 yields the tautomerized enamido complex K to which the second propionitrile is bound via a N—H—N hydrogen bond.

The overall barrier for this tautomerization via protonation-deprotonation of complex 14 is 32.6 kcal/mol. Assuming that even in carefully dried organic solvents traces of water can be present, we computed in alternative mechanism with water molecules as proton shuttle. A transition state with two water molecules (TS3) was found to lower the barrier for tautomerization to 21.0 kcal/mol. In agreement with the NMR investigations (see FIG. 12 ), complex 15 is predicted to be less stable than complex 14 by 1.2 kcal/mol. To gain a deeper understanding of the metal template strategy, the nitrile-ketimine-tautomerization of propionitrile itself was also calculated.

The calculations predict the nitrile form to be more stable by 22 kcal/mol.

Therefore, these results indicate that a first effect of the template strategy is the stabilization of the nucleophilic tautomer of the nitrile substrate. Having established a possible pathway for the formation of complex 15, the C—C bond formation was studied. We assumed that hydrogen bond interactions may stabilize the zwitterionic intermediate, which results from the nucleophilic attack of 15 at the Michael acceptor. Indeed, a transition state for the C—C bond formation with a hydrogen bond between the NH group of G and the carboxylic oxygen of ethylacrylate could be localized (TS4 in FIG. 16 ). A proton transfer for which a relaxed potential energy surface scan over the OH bond length did not show a barrier, led to the enol intermediate M, which is high in energy. We therefore searched for alternative pathways avoiding the intermediate enol formation. After attack of 15 via TS5 a zwitterionic intermediate N is formed. Its energy is lower than that of the enol intermediate M.

Rotation of the enolate group around the new carbon-carbon bond via the staggered transition state TS6 leads to intermediate O. This intermediate can undergo a direct proton transfer from the NH group to the α-carbon of the enolate group via TS7 to directly yield the keto intermediate P, thus avoiding the formation of the high energy enol intermediate M. A similar transition state as located for the binding of the propionitrile to 2 results in the product complex Q. In this complex, the product is still bound to the manganese center via the nitrogen. Dissociation of the product finally regenerates the active catalyst 2. Notably, the pathway involving a zwitterionic intermediate not stabilized by hydrogen bonding is lower in energy than the one involving the enol intermediate. Regarding the overall transformation, the transition state for the waterassisted tautomerization is the one highest in energy with respect to the catalyst and the separated reactants. Furthermore, water is assumed to be present only in traces whereas an excess of substrates is used.

Thus, the tautomerization is rate determining. Based on the NMR investigations and the DFT calculations the mechanism to be operative is: after nitrile binding, a rate determining water-catalyzed tautomerization takes place. The carbon-carbon bond formation yields a zwitterionic intermediate. A direct proton transfer from the NH group leads directly to an intermediate in the keto form. No enol is involved in the cycle. Product release regenerates the active catalyst (FIG. 17 ).

Essentially, the proposed catalytic cycle (FIG. 17 ) outlines a cascade of a stepwise reduction and oxidation of the CN bond. The formal bond order decreases in the course of the activation of the nitrile (nitrile (b.o.=3)→ketimid (b.o.=2)→enamid (b.o.=1)). Upon addition of the reduced enamido moiety to the Michael acceptor, the CN bond order increases stepwise (ketimid (b.o.=2)→nitrile (b.o.=3).

Example 15 Synthesis of Manganese Complex of Formula 6B and 6A′

Preparation and Characterization of [Mn(PNNH)(CO)₂Br] (6B).

N-((6-((di-tert-butylphos-phanyl)methyl)pyridine-2-yl)methyl)propan-2-amine (PNNH) ligand (1.60 g, 4.96 mmol) and [Mn(CO)₅Br] (1.36 g, 4.96 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of THF in a 20 mL vial. The vial was closed with a vial septum cap and two needles (0.8×40 mm) were connected through the septum in order to displace the CO gas liberated during the reaction. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 60 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated to ˜half of the volume and the orange precipitate was decanted, washed with diethyl ether, and dried under reduced pressure (2.01 g, 79% yield).

The N-((6-((di-tert-butylphos-phanyl)methyl)pyridine-2-yl)methyl)propan-2-amine (PNNH) ligand was prepared according to Fogler, E.; Garg, J. A.; Hu, P.; Leitus, G.; Shimon, L. J. W.; Milstein, D. Chem. Eur. J. 2014, 20, 15727

³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.08 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 118.6 (s).

¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 1.16 (d, ³J_(PH)=11.5 Hz, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.49 (s, 9H, (CH₃)₃CN), 1.51 (d, ³J_(PH)=11.5 Hz, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 3.47 (m, 2H, NH, NCHH), 4.00 (dd, ¹J_(HH)=16.3 Hz, ²J_(HP)=6.0 Hz, 1H, PCHH), 4.17 (d, ¹J_(HH)=14.5 Hz, 1H, NCHH), 4.37 (t, J=13.6 Hz, 1H, PCHH), 7.22 (d, ³J_(HH)=6.7 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(3))), 7.41 (d, ³J_(HH)=6.7 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(5))), 7.66 (t, ³J_(HH)=6.7 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (100.67 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 29.1 (s, (CH₃)₃CN), 29.7 (d, ²J_(PC)=2.8 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 31.7 (d, ²J_(PC)=2.8 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 36.6 (m, (CH₃)₃CP, CH₂P), 37.6 (d, ¹J_(PC)=14.7 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 54.0 (s, CH₂N), 56.9 (s, (CH₃)₃CN), 118.7 (s, CH_(pyri(5))), 121.8 (d, ³J_(PC)=7.6 Hz, CH_(pyri(3))), 137.2 (s, CH_(pyri(4))), 159.1 (d, ⁴J_(PC)=2.6 Hz, CH_(pyri(6))), 163.3 (d, ²J_(PC)=6.4 Hz, CH_(pyri(2))), 233.7 (bs, Mn—CO), 237.6 (bs, Mn—CO). IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1828 (ν_(asym), C≡O), 1909 (ν_(sym), C≡O) in 1:1 ratio.

MS (ESI): m/z [M-Br]⁺ 433.34, [M-(Br+CO)]⁺ 405.35, [M-(Br+2CO)]⁺ 377.35. MS (ESI⁻): m/z [Br]⁻ 78.96.

HRMS (ESI⁺): m/z [M-Br]⁺ (C₂₁H₃₃N₂O₂PMn) Calcd: 431.1660, Found: 431.1655.

HRMS (ESI⁻): m/z [M+2Br]⁺ (C₂₁H₃₅N₂O₂PMnBr₂) Calcd: 591.0183, Found: 591.0175.

The IR spectrum of 6B exhibits two strong absorption bands at 1828 (ν_(asym)) and 1909 cm⁻¹ (ν_(sym)) in 1:1 ratio in agreement with two carbonyls in cis position. The ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum shows a singlet at 118.7 ppm. Single crystals suitable for X-ray analysis were obtained by slow diffusion of pentane into a concentrated solution of complex 6B in CH₂Cl₂. The PNNH pincer ligand binds to the metal center in a meridional fashion with the two carbonyl ligands located cis to each other (C—Mn—C=86.250), and the bromide in an axial position, completing a distorted octahedral coordination sphere.

Preparation and Characterization of [Mn(PNN)(CO)₂] (6A′).

[Mn(PNNH)(CO)₂(Br)] (6B) (200 mg, 0.39 mmol) and KO^(t)Bu (52 mg, 0.47 mmol) were suspended in 10 mL of pentane. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. during the reaction time the original colorless suspension becomes a dark-green solution. After filtration through a Teflon syringe filter (0.2 μm), the pentane solution was kept at −19° C. in a freezer overnight to form dark green crystals. The crystals were decanted and dried under vacuum. (115 mg, 68% yield).

³¹P{¹H} NMR(162.08 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 135.0 (s).

¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 1.14 (d, ³J_(PH)=12.4 Hz, 18H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.78 (s, 9H, (CH₃)₃CN), 3.08 (d, ²J_(HP)=7.6 Hz, 2H, PCH₂), 4.53 (s, 2H, NCH₂), 6.62 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 2H, CH_(pyri(3,5))), 6.89 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (100.67 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 21.6 (d, ²J_(PC)=4.5 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 26.7 (s, (CH₃)₃CN), 27.9 (d, ¹J_(PC)=10.8 Hz, CH₂P), 28.0 (d, ¹J_(PC)=10.8 Hz., (CH₃)₃(P), 60.6 (s, CH₂N), 108.6 (s, CH_(pyri(5))), 110.4 (d, ³J_(PC)=7.2 Hz, CH_(pyri(3))), 125.8 (s, CH_(pyri(4))), 153.9 (d, ²J_(PC)=7.8 Hz, CH_(pyri(2))), 157.9 (d, ⁴J_(PC)=4.7 Hz, CH_(pyri(6))), 207.8 (bs, Mn—CO), 212.9 (bs, Mn—CO).

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1797 (ν_(asym), C≡O), 1874 (ν_(sym), C≡O) in 1:1 ratio. MS (ESI⁺): m/z [M]⁺ 433.34, [M-CO]⁺ 405.36, [M-2CO]⁺ 377.37.

HRMS (ESI⁺): m/z [M]⁺ (C₂₁H₃₃N₂O₂PMn) Calcd: 431.1660, Found: 431.1655.

The IR spectrum of 6A′ (NaCl plates) showed two strong bands at 1797 (ν_(asym)) and 1874 cm⁻¹ (ν_(sym)) in 1:1 ratio, indicating a 90° C.—Mn—C angle. The ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum showed a singlet at 135.0 ppm, downfield shifted by ˜16 ppm in comparison with 6B. The ¹H NMR spectrum of 6A′ exhibited only two distinct resonances in the aromatic regime. Two resonances were observed in ¹H NMR for the protons at the two benzylic positions; a singlet at 4.53 ppm and a doublet at 3.08 ppm in 1:1 ratio. No resonance due to the N—H proton was observed, indicating deprotonation of the amine group. Two resonances were observed for the carbonyl ligands in the ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectrum at 212.9 ppm and 207.8 ppm. X-ray diffraction of single crystal of 6A′ (FIG. 18 ) showed meridional coordination of the deprotonated PNNH pincer ligand. Both carbonyl ligands were located mutually cis (C20-Mn—C21=87.220), completing a distorted square pyramidal coordination sphere. The C—C bond lengths of the pyridine ring were almost equal, confirming that no de-aromatization of the pyridine ring occurred, in line with no deprotonation of the benzylic position. The Mn—N amido bond (1.889 Å) was significantly shorter from Mn-amine bond (2.171 Å) in 6B, confirming the amine-amide conversion upon deprotonation.

X-Ray Characterization

Single crystals suitable for X-ray analysis for the manganese complexes 6B and 6A′ are presented in FIG. 18 . Crystal data were measured at 100 K on a Nonius KappaCCD (6B) and Bruker Apex-II KappaCCD (6A′) diffractometers equipped with [λ(Mo—Kα)=0.71073 Å] radiation, graphite monochromator and MiraCol optics. The data were processed with HKL2000 (6B) and APEX-II (6A′) collect package programs. Structures were solved by the SHELXT-2013 (6B) and AUTOSTRUCTURE (6A′) modules and refined with full-matrix least-squares refinement based on F² with SHELXL-2014.

Crystal Data, Data Collection, and Structure Refinement for 6B and 6A′.

Crystal data 6B 6A' formula C₂₁H₃₅BrMnN₂O₂P C₂₁H₃₄MnN₂O₂P M_(r) 513.33 432.41 crystal system monoclinic monoclinic space group P2₁/C P2₁/C a (Å) 9.2250(18) 10.2774(4) b (Å) 15.306(3) 10.5133(4) c (Å) 16.738(3) 20.4008(7) α(°) 90 90 β(°) 92.37(3) 93.609(2) γ(°) 90 90 V (Å³) 2361.3(8) 2199.92(14) Z 4 4 ρ_(calc) (g cm⁻³) 1.444 1.306 μ(mm⁻¹) 2.337 0.690 F(000) 1064 920 crystal size (mm³) 0.18 × 0.12 × 0.08 0.20 × 0.20 × 0.20 Data collection and Refinement T/K 100(2) 100(2) measd reflns 9413 34343 Unique reflns (Rint) 4803 (0.0194) 5033 (0.0315) reflns used for 4803 9959 refinement refined parameters 266 253 GOF on F² 1.076 1.038 R₁ ^(a) [I > 2σ (I)] 0.0249 0.0384 wR₂ ^(b) all data 0.0642 0.0999 ^(a)R1 = Σ||Fo| − |Fc||/Σ|Fo|. ^(b)wR2 = [Σ[w(Fo² − Fc²)²]/Σ[w(Fo²)²]]^(1/2).

Tables 10 and 11 provide selected bond length and bond angles respectively of these complexes.

TABLE 10 Selected bond lengths [Å] of 6B and 6A'. 6B 6A' Mn1—Br1 2.6193(6) Mn1—P1 2.3159(9) Mn1—P1 2.2622(6) Mn1—N1 2.033(2)  Mn1—N1 2.018(2)  Mn1—N2 2.171(2)  Mn1—N2 1.889(2)  Mn1—C20 1.759(2)  Mn1—C20 1.775(2)  Mn1—C21 1.784(2)  Mn1—C21 1.821(2)  C1—C2 1.499(3)  C1—C2 1.501(3)  C6—C7 1.500(3)  C6—C7 1.492(3)  C1—P1 1.849(2)  C1—P1 1.850(2)  C7—N2 1.489(2)  C7—N2 1.464(3) 

TABLE 11 Selected bond angles [°] of 6B and 6A'. 6B 6A' Br1—Mn1—P2 95.21(2) Br1—Mn1—N2 81.37(4) P1—Mn1—N1 81.16(4) P1—Mn1—N1 80.64(5) P1—Mn1—N2 159.08(4)  P1—Mn1—N2 141.76(6)  N1—Mn1—C21 175.03(7)  N1—Mn1—C20 173.08(8)  N1—Mn1—C20 98.23(7) N1—Mn1—C21 92.65(7) N2—Mn1—C21 104.29(7)  N2—Mn1—C20 104.86(8)  N2—Mn1—C20 90.24(7) N2—Mn1—C21 117.02(8)  C20—Mn1—C21 86.25(9) C20—Mn1—C21 87.20(9)

Example 16 Hydrogenation of Esters Using the Manganese Catalyst of this Invention

The manganese precatalyst 6B in the attempted hydrogenation of hexyl hexanoate under 20 bar of H₂ and catalyst loading of 1 mol % in toluene was not successful (Table 12, Entry 1). However, addition of a base (2 mol %), under the same conditions did result in hexanol formation. Using of ^(t)BuOK or potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, hexanol was obtained in 31% and 54% yields, respectively (Entries 2, 3). When KH was used as a base, full conversion to hexanol was observed under the same conditions (Entry 4). When preparing the reaction mixture at room temperature, addition of ^(t)BuOK or KHMDS resulted in a dark green color, in line with ligand dearomatization by deprotonation. In contrast, no color change was observed at room temperature upon addition of KH, due to its insolubility under these conditions. The lack of immediate reaction with the 6B at ambient temperature, can be a practical advantage, avoiding handling the more sensitive active catalyst 6′. Moreover, using KH does not generate a conjugate base in solution, avoiding potential side reactions.

TABLE 12 Base optimization for manganese-catalyzed hydrogenation of hexyl hexanoate.

Entry Base Time (h) Cony (%)^(b) Yield^(b) I — 22 — — 2 tBuOK 22 39 31 3 KHMDS 23 55 54 4 KH 23 99 99 ^(a)Reaction conditions: substrate (1.0 mmol), toluene (1.0 mL), internal standard (xylene, 1 mmol), 100° C. ^(b)Products confirmed by GC-MS. Conversions and Yields were determined by ¹H NMR with an internal standard (xylene) Method:

The scope of the reaction was examined with various esters using the precatalyst [Mn(PNNH)(CO)₂(Br)] (6B) (1 mol %) and KH (2 mol %) (Table 13). A suspension containing 0.01 mmol of the pre-catalyst 6B, 0.02 mmol of KH, 1 mmol of ester, 1 mmol of mesitylene (120 mg) in 1 mL of toluene were placed in a steel autoclave fitted with Teflon sleeve. The autoclave was pressurized with 20 bar H₂ and heated at 100° C. (bath temperature) with stirring for the specified time. After cooling to room temperature, the H₂ was vented off carefully. The solution was then filtered through Celite and the solution was analyzed by GC-MS and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The conversion and yield were determined by integration of ¹H NMR signals with respect to the internal standard (mesitylene).

Results:

Hydrogenation of 1 mmol of hexyl hexanoate under 20 bar H₂ at 100° C. in toluene, resulted in 99% yield of hexanol (Entry 1). Under the same conditions ethyl butyrate was hydrogenated to give 98% yield of butanol and 91% yield of ethanol after 50 hours (Entry 2). When the reaction was performed at shorter reaction time (22 hours, Entry 2bis), small amounts of ethyl acetate and butyl butanoate were also formed, attributed to a transesterification reaction with the formed ethanol and butanol. Cyclohexylmethyl acetate gave 99% yield of cyclohexylmethanol and 60% yield of ethanol (Entry 3), and no transesterification products were observed. Hydrogenation of the secondary aliphatic ester heptan-2-yl acetate resulted in 98% yield of heptane-2-ol and 57% yield of ethanol (Entry 4). Ethyl 3-phenylpropanoate was smoothly hydrogenated, rendering 99% yield of 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and 70% yield of ethanol after 21 hours (Entry 5). Similarly, ethyl 3-phenylpropanoate gave 99% yield of phenylmethanol and 74% yield of butanol after 22 hours (Entry 6). In order to get full hydrogenation of benzyl benzoate longer reaction time was needed (43 hours, 99% yield benzyl alcohol, Entry 7). Similarly, methyl benzoate gave 96% yield of benzyl alcohol and 63% of methanol after 50 hours (Entry 8). ε-Caprolactone was smoothly and quantitatively hydrogenated to 1,6-hexanediol (99% yield, Entry 9). The activated benzyl trifluoroacetate gave 99% yield of benzyl alcohol and 78% of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (Entry 10), and no secondary products where observed. Gratifyingly, allyl trifluoroacetate gave 97% yield of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and 96% of allyl alcohol (Entry 11), showing high chemoselectivity to ester hydrogenation over C═C hydrogenation. Hydrogenation of ethyl 4-isocyano-benzoate required an increase of precatalyst loading to 3%, probably due to competing nitrile coordination, and resulted in 61% yield of (4-isocyanophenyl)methanol and 66% yield of ethanol, with no hydrogenation of the nitrile group detected (Entry 12).

TABLE 13 Catalytic hydrogenation of esters using the manganese precatalyst 6B

En- Time Conv Yield try Ester (h) (%)^(a) Products^(a) (%)^(a)  1

23 99

99  2^(b)

50 99

EtOH 98/91  2 bis^(b)

22 90

EtOH 32/35

12/11  3^(b)

43 99

EtOH 99/60  4^(b)

43 99

EtOH 98/57  5^(b)

21 99

EtOH 99/70  6

22 99

99/74  7

43 99

99  7 bis

22 80

80  8^(b)

50 99

MeOH 98/63  9

36 99

98^(c) 10

28 99

78/99 11^(d)

60 99

97/96 12^(b,e)

60 75

EtOH 60/66 Reaction conditions: substrate (1.0 mmol), toluene (1.0 mL), internal standard (xylene, 1 mmol), 100° C. ^(a)Conversions and Yields were determined by ¹H NMR with an internal standard (xylene). Products confirmed by GC-MS. ^(b)Lower yield of methanol and ethanol are attributed to evaporation during workup after catalysis. ^(c)The diol is insoluble in the reaction mixture. Isolated yield. ^(d)No hydrogenation of the vinyl group was observed. ^(e)6B (3%)/KH (6%). No hydrogenation of the nitrile group was detected.

Example 17 Mechanistic Studies of Catalytic Hydrogenation of Esters Using the Manganese Catalyst of this Invention

Mechanistically, the fact that benzyl benzoate and methyl benzoate undergo hydrogenation using the precatalyst 6B indicate that ester enolate intermediates are not involved in the catalysis. Aiming at gaining insight regarding the nature of the active catalyst, deprotonation of 6B was performed. 1.2 equivalents of KOtBu were added to a suspension of 6B in pentane, the solution became dark blue, yielding the novel amido complex 6A′ (see Example 15):

Exploring the catalytic activity of the amido complex 6A′, hydrogenation of hexyl hexanoate under the same previously described conditions, in presence of the precatalyst 6A′ (1 mol %) in the absence of base gave 96% yield of hexanol after 22 hours, showing comparable catalytic activity as with the catalyst prepared in situ (Table 13, Entry 1), in line with 6A′ being the likely catalytically active complex. No reaction was observed between hexyl hexanoate and complex 6A′ in stoichiometric ratio, in toluene-d⁸ at room temperature.

To gain more mechanistic insight, NMR investigations were carried out using complex 6A′. Under H₂ atmosphere (1 bar) at room temperature, in an NMR Young tube, complex 6A′ in C₆D₆ reversibly activates H₂ to yield, after 10 min, a mixture of the hydride complex 16 and complex 6A′ in a ratio of 6A′: 16, 1.0:0.6, as determined by ³¹P{¹H} NMR

Preparation of Intermediate Complex 16:

To a suspension of complex 6B (40 mg, 0.08 mmol) in cold toluene-d⁸ (−10° C., 0.8 mL) was added a cold THF solution of NaBHEt₃ (−10° C., NaBHEt₃ 1M in THF, 90 μL, 0.09 mmol), the mixture was stirred at −10° C. for 2 min, filtered through a Teflon syringe filter (0.2 μm) and the dark-red filtrate added to a Young NMR tube. The Young tube was evacuated by two freeze-pump-thaw cycles and back-filled with H₂ (1 bar). The reaction mixture was kept cold and characterized by low temperature NMR (0° C.).

¹³P{¹H} NMR indicated 82% conversion to syn-[Mn(PNNH)(H)(CO)₂] (3). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (202.43 MHz, Tol-d⁸, −10° C.): δ 142.6 (s).

¹H NMR (500.08 MHz, Tol-d⁸, −10° C.): δ −1.91 (d, ²J_(PH)=53.6 Hz, 1H, Mn—H), 1.17 (d, ³J_(PH)=18.7 Hz, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.21 (s, 9H, (CH₃)₃CN), 1.37 (d, ³J_(PH)=11.4 HZ, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 2.85 (bs, 1H, NH), 3.04 (m, 2H, NCHH, PCHH), 3.32 (d, ¹J_(HH)=10.5 Hz, 1H, NCHH), 3.56 (overlapped THF, 1H, PCHH), 6.46 (d, ⁷J_(HH)=7.2 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(3))), 6.76 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.2 Hz, 1H, CH_(pyri(5))), 7.10 (bs, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (125.74 MHz, Tol-d⁸, −10° C.): δ 20.2 (bs, (CH₃)₃CP), 21.0 (bd, ²J_(PC)=3.4 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 22.7 (s, (CH₃)₃CN), 29.0 (d, ¹J_(PC)=10.0 Hz, CH₂P), 29.6 (d, ¹J_(PC)=7.8 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 46.5 (bs, CH₂N), 47.9 (bs, (CH₃)₃CN), 109.0 (s, CH_(pyri(5))), 111.5 (d, ³J_(PC)=8.0 Hz, CH_(pyri(3))), 125.6 (s, CH_(pyri(4))), 151.2 (s, CH_(pyri(6))), 153.7 (d, ²J_(PC)=6.9 Hz, CH_(pyri(2))), 219.3 (bd, ²J_(PC)=12.6 Hz, Mn—CO), 230.4 (bd, ²J_(PC)=20.7 Hz, Mn—CO).

Characterization of anti-[Mn(PNNH)(H)(CO)₂] (17)

Complex 4 was characterized in the reaction mixture obtained by activation of H₂ at room temperature.

³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.07 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 143.8 (s).

¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ −1.34 (d, ²J_(PH)=55.3 Hz, 1H, Mn—H), 1.15 (s, 9H, (CH₃)₃CN), 1.25 (d, ³J_(PH)=18.7 Hz, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.36 (d, ^(j)J_(PH)=11.4 Hz, 9H, (CH₃)₃CP), 2.95 (m, 2H, NCHH, NH), 3.43 (bd, ¹J_(HP)=14.1 Hz, 1H, PCHH), 3.43 (bd, ¹J_(HP)=15.6 Hz, 1H, PCHH), 3.87 (d, ¹J_(HH)=7.2 Hz, 1H, PCHH), 6.18 (bs, 1H CH_(pyri(3))), 6.73 (m, 2H, CH_(pyri(5)), CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} QDEPT NMR (125.74 MHz, Tol-d⁸, 25° C.): δ 19.2 (bs, (CH₃)₃CP), 21.4 (bd, ²J_(PC)=4.3 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 22.2 (s, (CH₃)₃CN), 29.3 (d, ¹J_(PC)=11.4 Hz, CH₂P), 29.6 (d, ¹J_(PC)=7.8 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 46.9 (bs, (H₂N), 47.6 (bs, (CH₃)₃CN), 108.7 (s, CH_(pyri(5))), 111.2 (d, ³J_(PC)=8.2 Hz, CH_(pyri(3))), 125.2 (s, CH_(pyri(4))), 151.1 (bd, ⁴J_(PC)=3.6 Hz, CH_(pyri(6))), 153.1 (d, ²J_(PC)=7.1 Hz, CH_(pyri(2))), 218.1 (bd, ²J_(PC)=10.8 Hz, Mn—CO), 229.4 (bd, ²J_(PC)=19.6 Hz, Mn—CO). Accordingly syn-[Mn(PNNH)(H)(CO)₂] complex 17, which is formed in situ under the catalytic conditions, is an actual intermediate in the ester hydrogenation process.

³¹P{¹H} NMR indicated 37% conversion to syn-[Mn(PNNH)(H)(CO)₂] (16) after 10 min at room temperature. With time a mixture of 16 and 17 was obtained. After 16 hours at room temperature, no changes in the ratio between 6A′, 16 and 17 were observed. ³¹P{¹H} NMR indicated 36% conversion to syn-[Mn(PNNH)(H)(CO)₂] (16) and 33% conversion to anti-[Mn(PNNH)(H)(CO)₂] (17).

The hydride resonance appears at −1.71 ppm (d, ²J_(PH)=52.7 Hz) in ¹H NMR and it showed a singlet at 143.4 ppm in the ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum, 7.6 ppm downfield shifted in comparison with complex 6A′. Complex 16 slowly isomerized to yield the hydride complex 17. Complex 17 exhibited a hydride resonance at −1.34 ppm (d, 2J_(PH)=55.2 Hz) in ¹H NMR spectrum and a singlet at 143.8 ppm in ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum. After 16 hours no changes in the proportion of 6A′, 16 and 17 complexes were observed (6A′: 16:17; 1.0:1.1:1.2, determined by ³¹P{¹H} NMR). Complex 16 was independently prepared by treatment of complex 6B with NaHBEt₃ under H₂ atmosphere (1 bar) in Tol-d⁸ at −10° C. and characterized by low temperature NMR (0° C.).

In line with the proposed geometry of 16, two resonances are observed in the carbonyl regime in the ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectrum at 219.3 ppm (²J_(PC)=12.6 Hz) and 230.4 ppm (²J_(PC)=20.7 Hz). When this cold solution containing complex 16 reaches room temperature it slowly forms a mixture of 6A′, 16 and 17 complexes (after 12 hours, proportion 6A′: 16:17; 1.0:0.8:0.9, was determined by ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy). Complex 17 exhibits the same pattern in ¹³C{¹H}NMR as complex 16 two resonances for the carbonyl ligands, at 218.4 ppm (²J_(PC)=12.5 Hz) and 229.8 ppm (²J_(PC)=19.7 Hz), slightly different in their chemical shift in comparison with 16.

The syn orientation of the N—H and Mn—H bonds in 16 is indicated by a NOE study, upon selective irradiation of the hydride resonance at −1.71 ppm, the NOE difference spectrum gives NOE enhancement for the resonance at 3.09 ppm (s), which corresponds to the NH group and also for the resonance at 1.42 ppm (d, ³J_(Hp)=12 Hz), due to the ^(t)BuP group which points in the same direction as the Mn—H. Upon selective irradiation of the hydride resonance at −1.34 ppm, the NOE difference spectrum only shows NOE enhancement for the resonances at 1.37 ppm (d, ³J_(HP)=12 Hz) and 0.94 ppm (s), which correspond to the ^(t)BuP and ^(t)BuN groups, in agreement with the proposed anti orientation of the N—H and Mn—H bonds for 17 (FIG. 19 ).

Summary:

Complex 6B showed high selectivity for ester groups, C═C and CN groups not being affected. The actual catalytically active complex, the amido complex 6A′, was prepared by deprotonation of 6B and was also generated in situ. H₂ activation takes place by metal-ligand cooperation (MLC), in which the manganese metal center and the PNNH-pincer ligand participate synergistically in H₂ activation, leading to syn and anti isomers.

Example 18 Synthesis of Manganese Complex of Formula 4 and 4B

2-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)-6-diethylaminomethyl)pyridine (PNN) ligand (1.60 g, 4.96 mmol) and [Mn(CO)₅Br] (1.36 g, 4.96 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of THF in a 20 mL vial. The vial was closed with a vial septum cap and two needles (0.8×40 mm) were connected through the septum in order to displace the CO gas liberated during the reaction. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 60 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated to ˜half of the volume and the orange precipitate was decanted, washed with diethyl ether, and dried under reduced pressure (2.24 g, 88% yield).

The 2-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)-6-diethylaminomethyl)pyridine (PNN) ligand was prepared according to Zhang, J; Leitus, G.; Ben-David, Y.; Milstein, D. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 3146.

³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.08 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 118.0 (s).

¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 1.09 (tbr, ³J_(HH)=6.6 Hz, 6H, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 1.34 (d, ³J_(PH)=12.5 Hz, 18H, (CH₃)₃CP), 2.27 (mbr, 2H, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 3.20 (mbr, 2H, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 3.58 (mbr, 2H, NCH₂Py), 4.20 (mbr, 2H, PCH₂), 7.19 (sbr, 1H, CH_(pyri(3))), 7.43 (sbr, 1H, CH_(pyri(5))), 7.65 (sbr, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))).

¹³C{¹H} NMR (100.67 MHz, CDCl₃, 25° C.): δ 7.73 (s, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 11.23 (s, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 28.9 (d, ²J_(PC)=4.8 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 30.6 (d, ²J_(PC)=3.2 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 35.9 (d, ¹J_(PC)=16.3 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 36.8 (d, ¹J_(PC)=10.8 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 37.3 (d, ¹J_(PC)=7.1 Hz, PCH₂), 52.8 (s, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 53.4 (s, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 66.4 (s, NCH₂Py), 117.2 (s, CH_(pyri(5))), 118.8 (d, ³J_(PC)=7.6 Hz, CH_(pyri(3))), 132.3 (S, CH_(pyri(4))), 158.2 (d, ⁴J_(PC)=3.6 Hz, CH_(pyri(6))), 161.7 (d, ²J_(PC)=7.2 Hz, CH_(pyri(2))), 227.3 (d, ²J_(PC)=12.9 Hz, Mn—O), 238.6 (d, ²J_(PC)=12.9 Hz, Mn—CO).

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1829 (ν_(sym). C≡O), 1916 (ν_(sym). C≡O) in 1:1 ratio.

Preparation and Characterization of [Mn(PNN*)(CO)₂] (4).

[Mn(PNN)(CO)₂(Br)] (4B) (200 mg, 0.39 mmol) and KO^(t)Bu (52 mg, 0.47 mmol) were suspended in 10 mL of pentane. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. during the reaction time the original colorless suspension becomes a dark-blue solution. After filtration through a Teflon syringe filter (0.2 μm), the pentane solution was kept at −35° C. in a freezer overnight to form dark blue crystals. The crystals were decanted and dried under vacuum. (127 mg, 79% yield).

³¹P{¹H} NMR (162.08 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 110.9 (s).

¹H NMR (400.36 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 0.62 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.2 Hz, 9H, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 1.21 (d, ³J_(PH)=13.0 Hz, 18H, (CH₃)₃CP), 1.99 (m, 2H, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 2.26 (m, 2H, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 3.08 (sbr, 2H, NCH₂Py), 3.70 (sbr, 1H, PCHPy), 5.21 (mbr, 1H, CH_(pyri(4))), 6.41 (m, 2H, CH_(pyri(3,5))).

¹³C{¹H} NMR (100.67 MHz, C₆D₆, 25° C.): δ 8.9 (s, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 28.7 (d, ²J_(PC)=4.0 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 36.4 (d, ¹J_(PC)=22.0 Hz, (CH₃)₃CP), 49.2 (s, N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 63.3 (s, NCH₂Py), 68.7 (d, ¹J_(PC)=45.5 Hz, PCHPy), 96.9 (s, CH_(pyri(5))), 115.9 (d, ³J_(PC)=16.2 Hz, CH_(pyri(3))), 131.8 (s, CH_(pyri(4))), 156.4 (d, ⁴J_(PC)=4.5 Hz, CH_(pyri(6))), 171.1 (d, ²J_(PC)=19.3 Hz, CH_(pyri(2))), 238.3 (d, ²J_(PC)=19.4 Hz, Mn—CO).

IR (KBr, pellet, cm⁻¹): 1819 (ν_(asym), C≡O), 1907 (ν_(sym), C≡O) in 1:1 ratio.

Characterization by X-Ray Diffraction.

Crystal data was measured at 100 K on a Bruker Apex-II KappaCCD diffractometer equipped with [λ(Mo—Kα)=0.71073 Å] radiation, graphite monochromator and MiraCol optics. The data were processed APEX-II collect package program. Structure was solved (FIG. 20 ) by the AUTOSTRUCTURE module and refined with full-matrix least-squares refinement based on F² with SHELXL-2014.

Crystal Data, Data Collection, and Structure Refinement for 4.

Crystal data 4 formula C₂₁H₃₄MnN₂O₂P M_(r) 432.41 crystal system monoclinic space group Cc a (Å) 14.1304(15) b (Å) 14.4105(14) c (Å) 11.1726(12) α(°) 90 β(°) 96.228(3) γ(°) 90 V (Å³) 2161.6(4) Z 4 ρ_(calc) (g cm⁻³) 1.270 μ(mm⁻¹) 0.672 E(000) 920 crystal size (mm³) 0.18 × 0.14 × 0.06 Data collection and Refinement T/K 100(2) measd refills 6871 Unique reflns (Rint) 3443 (0.0386) reflns used for 3443 refinement refined parameters 252 GOF on F² 1.012 R₁ ^(a) [I > 2σ (I)] 0.0367 wR₂ ^(b) all data 0.0777 ^(a)R1 = Σ||Fo| − |Fc||/Σ|Fo|. ^(b)wR2 = [Σ[w(Fo² − Fc²)²]/Σ[w(Fo²)²]]^(1/2).

Tables 14 and 15 provide selected bond length and bond angles respectively of complex 4.

TABLE 14 Selected bond lengths [Å] of 4. 4 Mn1—P1  2.3071(9) Mn1—N1 1.969(3) Mn1—N2 2.106(3) Mn1—C20 1.764(4) Mn1—C21 1.733(4) C1—C2 1.499(5) C6—C7 1.366(5) C7—P1 1.778(4) C1—N2 1.362(4)

TABLE 15 Selected bond angles [°] 4. 4 P1—Mn1—N1 82.05(8) P1—Mn1—N2 158.61(8)  N1—Mn1—C20 165.94(16) N1—Mn1—C21 108.77(15) N2—Mn1—C20  96.88(14) N2—Mn1—C21  98.58(14) C20—Mn1—C21  85.25(18)

Example 19 Dehydrogenative Coupling of Alcohols for the Preparation of Esters Using the Manganese Catalyst of this Invention

The deprotonated complex 6B in presence of KH was found to be very active catalyst for acceptorless dehydrogenative esterification of alcohols, 5 mol % complex 6B with KH (5 mol %) in neat 1-hexanol (5 mmol) were placed in a Schlenk-bomb tube (50 ml volume), the tube was placed under vaccum (approx. 1 mm Hg) for ˜5 minutes, sealed under vacuum, and heated at 100° C. (bath temperature) with strong stirring for 16 hours, 88% hexyl hexanoate was formed (Table 14, Entry 2). Starting from diols, formation of lactones is also possible, through two sequential reactions in the absence of external oxidants and generating molecular hydrogen as the only stoichiometrical waste. 1,4-butanediol was smoothly dehydrogenated, using the 6B (2 mol %) and KH (4 mol %) under reflux of benzene in an open system, yielding 99% of γ-butyrolactone (Entry 2). Complex 6B in presence of KH smoothly converted 1,2-benzenedimethanol into phtalide. Refluxing 1,2-benzenedimethanol (1 mmol) and toluene (2 mL) in the presence of 6B (50% mol) and KH (10 mol %) under argon atmosphere provided phtalide in 99% yield (Entry 4).

TABLE 16 Catalytic dehydrogenation of alcohols using the manganese precatalyst 6B

Temp Time Conv Entry Alcohol Solvent (° C.) (h) (%)^(a) Ester Yield(%)^(a) 1^(b)

neat 100 16 92

88 2^(c)

Benzene reflux 60 99

99 3^(d)

Toluene reflux 4 58

52 4^(d)

Toluene reflux 4 99

99 ^(a)Conversions and Yields determined by ¹H-NMR with an internal standard (mesitylene). Products confirmed by GC-MS. ^(b)Reaction conditions: 6B (5 mo1 %)/KH (5 mo1 %) and substrate (5 mmol) were placed in a Schlenk tube, the tube was evacuated for 5 min, sealed, and heated at 100° C. (bath temperature) with strong stirring for 16 h. ^(c)6B (2 mo1 %)/KH (4 mo1 %) and substrate (1 mmol) internal standard (1 mmol, mesitylene) and benzene (2 mL) were refluxed under argon. ^(d)6B (5%)/KH (10%) and substrate (1 mmol) internal standard (1 mmol, mesitylene) and toluene (2 mL) were refluxed under Ar flow.

Complex 6A′ was also found to be very active in the dehydrogenative esterification process. When a cyclohexane solution containing 2 mmol of 1-hexanol and 2.5 mol % of complex 6A′ was refluxed under argon atmosphere, 86% conversion of 1-hexanol was observed after 48 hours, to give hexyl hexanoate in 84% (Table 15, Entry 1), showing comparable activity as with the catalyst prepared in situ (Table 16, Entry 1).

TABLE 17 Catalytic dehydrogenation of alcohols using the amido complex 6A′.

Temp Time Conv Yield Entry Alcohol Solvent (° C.) (h) (%)^(a) Ester (%)^(a) 1

cyclohexane reflux 48 86

84 ^(a)Conversions and Yields determined by 1H-NMR with an internal standard (mesitylene). Products confirmed by GC-MS. ^(b)6A′ (2.5 mol %) and substrate (2 mmol) internal standard (1 mmol, mesitylene) and cyclohexane (2 mL) were refluxed under argon.

Example 20 Dehydrogenative Coupling of Alcohols and Amines for the Preparation of Amides Using the Manganese Catalyst of this Invention

A solution of methylcyclohexane (2 mL), complex 6B (5 mol %), KH (10 mol %), benzylamine (1 mmol) and 1-hexanol (1 mmol) was refluxed for 60 hours, 70% conversion of benzylamine was observed, rendering a mixture consisting of N-benzylhexanamide (A) in 40% yield and N-hexylidenebenzenemethanamine (B) in 28% yield (Table 16, Entry 1), with the rest of the alcohol being converted to hexyl hexanoate. Under the same conditions, when 1-hexanol reacts with 1-hexylamine, the corresponding imine was obtained in 99% yield (Entry 2). Refluxing of 1-hexanol, benzylamine and toluene in presence of complex 6B (5 mol %) and KH (10%) provided only the imine B in 80% yield (Entry 3), with the rest of the alcohol being converted to hexyl hexanoate.

Once having performed the synthesis of lactones from diols (Table 14, entries 2-4), this domino sequence was applied to the synthesis of other biologically relevant compounds. The similarity of their structures led us to focus on analogous lactams. When a toluene solution of 1 mmol of 4-amino-1-butanol and 5 mol % of complex 6B in presence of KH (100%) was refluxed under argon atmosphere, γ-butyrolactone was formed in 68% yield after 18 hours (Table 18, Entry 4). Under analogous conditions, intramolecular amidation was also carried out by using 5-amino-1-pentanol with full conversion to δ-valerolactam after 18 h (Entry 5).

TABLE 18 Direct amide synthesis by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines.

Time Conv^(a) Entry Alcohol Amine Solvent (h) (%) 1^(c)

methyl cyclo hexane 60 70 2^(c)

methyl cyclo hexane 60 99 3^(c)

Tol 39 99 4^(d)

Tol 18 72 5^(d)

Tol 18 99 Yield^(b) Entry Product(s) (%) 1^(c)

A 40

B 28 2^(c)

A —

B 99 3^(c)

A —

B 80 4^(d)

68 5^(d)

99 ^(a)Based in consumption of amine. ^(b)Conversions and yields determined by ¹H-NMR with an internal standard (mesitylene). Products confirmed by GC-MS. ^(c)Reaction conditions: substrates (1.0 mmol), solvent (2 mL), internal standard (mesitylene, 1.0 mmol) were refluxed under argon. ^(d)Substrate (1 mmol) internal standard (1 mmol, mesitylene) and toluene (4 mL) were refluxed under argon.

Complex 6A′ also exhibited reactivity in the amide synthesis under base-free conditions (Table 19). The reaction of 1-hexanol and benzylamine resulted in slightly better conversion to N-benzylhexanamide (A) as compared with 6B under reflux of methylcyclohexane after 48 hours (48% yield, Table 19, Entry 1) but with formation of imine B as well. In contrast, the reaction of 1-hexanol and 1-hexylamine was achieved the formation of the corresponding amide, in comparison with the reaction using the precatalyst 6B with base (Table 16, Entry 2), but if formed in low yield (10% yield, Entry 2) with formation of the imine (40% yield).

TABLE 19 Direct amide synthesis from alcohols and amines catalyzed by the complex 6A′.

Time Conv^(a) Entry Alcohol Amine Solvent (h) (%) 1^(c)

cyclo hexane 48 86 2^(c)

methyl cyclo 48 58 hexane Yield^(b) Entry Product(s) (%) 1^(c)

A 48

B 29 2^(c)

A 10

B 42 ^(a)Based in consumption of amine. ^(b)Conversions and yields determined by ¹H-NMR with an internal standard (mesitylene). Products confirmed by GC-MS. ^(c)Reaction conditions: substrates (1.0 mmol), solvent (2 mL), internal standard (mesitylene, 1.0 mmol) were refluxed under argon.

Example 21 Amidation of Esters Using the Manganese Catalyst of this Invention

Results Using Complex 6B:

A solution of methylcyclohexane (2 mL), pyrrolidine (2 mmol), pentyl pentanoate (1 mmol), precatalyst 6B (5 mol %) and KH (10 mol %) was refluxed under an argon atmosphere, 88% consumption of pentyl pentoate was observed after 60h, to give the corresponding amide in 52% yield (Table 20, Entry 1) and pentanol as subproduct. Reaction of 4-benzylpyrrolidine and pentyl pentanoate under the same conditions resulted after 60h in 47% conversion of pentyl pentoate, with 26% yield of the corresponding amide (Table 20, Entry 2) and pentanol.

TABLE 20 Amidation of esters catalyzed by complex 6B.

Time Conv Entry Ester Amine (h) (%)^(a) 1

60 88 2

60 47 Entry Yield(%)^(a) 1

52 2

26 Reaction conditions: pentyl pentanoate (1.0 mmol), amine (2.0 mmol), methylcyclohexane (2 mL), internal standard (mesitylene, 1.0 mmol) were refluxed under argon in an open system. ^(a)Conversions and yields determined by ¹H-NMR with an internal standard (mesitylene). Products confirmed by GC-MS.

Results Using Complex 6A′:

Complex 6A′ was also tested in this reaction. The reaction of pentyl pentanoate with piperidine gave 56% conversion of pentyl pentoate, with 42% yield of the amide after 48 hours (Table 21, Entry 1), using complex 6A′ (5 mol %) in absence of base. Reaction of pentyl pentanoate with pyrrolidine in refluxing cyclohexane resulted after 17 hours in the corresponding amide (Entries 2). Higher conversions are expected at longer reaction times.

TABLE 21 Amidation of esters catalyzed by the amido complex 6A′.

Time Conv Entry Ester Amine Solvent (h) (%)^(a) Amide Yield(%)^(a) 1

methyl cyclohexane 48 56

42 2

cyclohexane 17 38

32 Reaction conditions: 2 mL of solvent, pentyl pentanoate (1.0 mmol), amine (2.0 mmol), methylcyclohexane (2 mL), internal standard (mesitylene, 1.0 mmol) were refluxed under Ar flow. ^(a)Conversions and yields determined by ¹H-NMR with an internal standard (mesitylene). Products confirmed by GC-MS. Results Using Complex 4

Complex 4 exhibited low activity in dehydrogenative coupling of primary alcohols to esters and also in the amidation reaction from alcohols and amines. It exhibited better reactivity in the amidation of esters, but it is still less active than the analogous complex 6B (Table 22). Exploring the scope of the ester amidation reaction, pentyl pentanoate and some amines were examinated. Refluxing a methylcyclohexane solution containing pentyl pentanoate (1 mmol), piperidine (2 mmol), and 5 mol % of complex 4 under argon atmosphere for 48 hours resulted in 34% consumption of pentyl pentanoate, with formation of 1-(piperidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one in 28% yield as determined by ¹H NMR and GC-MS (Entry 1).

TABLE 22 Amidation of esters catalyzed by the dearoniatized complex 4.

Time Conv Entry Ester Amine Solvent (h) (%)^(a) Amide Yield(%)^(a) 1

methyl cyclohexane 42 34

28 2

cyclohexane 17 28

22 Reaction conditions: 2 mL of solvent, pentyl pentanoate (1.0 mmol), amine (2.0 mmol), methylcyclohexane (2 mL), internal standard (mesitylene, 1.0 mmol) were refluxed under Ar flow. ^(a)Conversions and yields determined by ¹H-NMR with an internal standard (mesitylene). Products confirmed by GC-MS.

Example 22 Synthesis of Cyclic Imides from Diols Using the Manganese Catalyst of this Invention

Complex 6B was found to be active in the catalytic dehydrogenative coupling of diols and amines to form cyclic amides. The reaction between 1,4-butanediol and amine afford N-substituted succinimide derivatives in excellent yields (Table 23). When a toluene solution containing 1.2 mmol of 1,4-butanediol, 1 mmol of 2-phenethylamine, 5% of complex 6B and 10% of KH was refluxed under an argon atmosphere, quantitative conversion of the amine was observed by NMR and GC-MS after 40 hours, to give 1-(phenylethyl)succinimide (characterized by NMR and GC-MS) in 88% isolated yield after column purification (Table 23, Entry 1). Excellent relativities where observed with benzyl amines. Reaction of 1,4-butanediol with benzylamine in toluene in analogous conditions resulted in 99 conversion, and the corresponding succinimide was isolated in 69% yield (Table 23, Entry 2). Refluxing of 1,4-butanediol and 4-fluorobenzylamine and toluene in the presence of the mixture 6B/KH, provided the succinimide in 72% yield (Table 23, Entry 3). More electron rich benzyl amines favored the cyclization reactions than electron-poor ones (Table 23, entries 3 and 5). In the case of alkyl amines, the imide was obtained in lower yield under analogous conditions (Table 23, Entries 6-8). The catalyst was sensitive to steric hindrance, thus reaction of 1,4-butanediol and cyclohexylamine rendered N-cyclohexylsuccinimide in 46% yield.

It is noted that γ-Butyrolactone was observed, especially with low yielding substrates, along with other unidentified by-products, presumably from possible inter- and intra-molecular amidation and esterifications reactions.

TABLE 23 Synthesis of N-substituted succinimides from 1,4-butanediol

Conv Entry Amine (%)^([a]) Succinimide Yield [%]^([b])  1^([c])

99

88  2^([c])

99

69  3^([c])

99

92  4^([c])

99

72  5^([c])

99

82  6^([d])

96

62  7^([d])

99

58  8^([d])

99

57  9^([d])

60

46 10^([d])

99

42 11^([e])

99

48 ^([a])Conversions based on consumption of amine, determined by ¹H NMR and GC-MS with an internal standard (mesitylene). ^([b])Yields of isolated product. Reaction conditions: [Mn(PNNH)] (5 mol %), KH (10 mol %), toluene (2 mL), reflux, 40 hours. ^([c])1,4-butanediol (1.0 mmol), amine (1.0 mmol), internal standard (mesitylene, 1 mmol). ^([d])1,4-butanediol (0.5 mmol), amine (0.5 mmol), internal standard (mesitylene, 0.5 mmol). ^([e])1,4-butanediol (0.5 mmol), amine (0.25 mmol), and internal standard (mesitylene, 0.5 mmol).

Since facile synthesis of succinimides derivates from 1,4-butanediol has been achieved, various diols were screened to synthesize cyclic amides. Phtalamide derives were obtained from 1,2-benzenedimethanol in moderate yields (Table 24). When a toluene solution of 1 mmol of 1,2-benzedimethanol, 1 mmol of benzylamine and mixture 6B/KH 5%/10% were refluxed under argon atmosphere, 81% conversion of the benzylamine was observed by GC-MS and NMR to give N-benzylphtalimide (A) in 34% yield (characterized by NMR and GC-MS) and N,N′-dibenzylphtalamide (B) in 24% isolated yield after purification (Table 24, entry 1). The remaining 1,2-benzenedimethanol was fully converted to phtalide. Complex 6B showed lower activity in the activation of alkyl amines than aryl amines (Table 24, entry 3). Use of phtalide, a presumably intermediate for the imide formation, showed to be beneficial for the reaction, but it still rendered a mixture of A and B. A toluene solution of 6B/KH (5%/10% mole percent) with butylamine and phtalide (1:1 ratio) was refluxed under a flow of argon for 18h. This setup resulted in the formation of N-butylphtalimide (A) in 46% yield and N,N′-dibutylphtalamide in 25% yield. Six-membered glutaramides were also formed in moderate yields (Table 21, entries 5-6). Reaction of 1,5-pentanediol (1.2 mmol) and 2-phenethylamine (1.0 mmol) under analogous conditions render 1-(2-phenylethyl)-2,6-piperidinedione in 62% isolated yield after column (Table 24, entry 5).

TABLE 24 Synthesis of cyclic imides from diols.

Conv. Of Yield Entry Diol Amine amine(%)^(a) Products (%) 1

82

A 34^(b)

B 24^(c) 2

88

A 38^(b)

B 22^(c) 3

<90^(d)

A 26^(c)

B 18^(c) 4^(e)

<99^(d)

A 46^(c)

B 25^(c) 5^(f)

99

62^(c) 6^(f)

99

32^(c) Reaction conditions: 1,2-benzenedimethanol (1.0 mmol), amine (1.0 mmol), internal standard (mesitylene, 1.0 mmol) in 2 mL of toluene were refluxed under Ar flow for 40 hours ^(a)Conversions of amine was determined by ¹H-NMR and GC-MS with an internal standard (mesitylene). ^(b)Determined by ¹H-NMR and GC-MS with an internal standard (mesitylene). ^(c)Isolated yield. ^(d)Volatile amine. ^(e)Phtalide (1.0 mmol), butylamine (1.2 mmol), internal standard (mesitylene, 1.0 mmol) in 2 mL of toluene were refluxed under Ar flow for 18 hours. ^(f)1,5-pentanodiol (1.2 mmol), amine (1.0 mmol), internal standard (mesitylene, 1.0 mmol) in 2 mL, of toluene were refluxed under Ar flow for 40 hours.

A broader scope of N-substituted glutaramide derivates in good yields were afforded using higher catalytic loading in more diluted solutions (Table 25). When a toluene solution (4 mL) containing 0.5 mmol of 1,5-pentanediol, 0.5 mmol of 2-phenethylamine, 8% of complex 6B and 16% of KH was refluxed under an argon atmosphere, quantitative conversion of the amine was observed by NMR and GC-MS after 40 hours, to give 1-(2-phenylethyl)-2,6-piperidinedione in 72% isolated yield after column (Table 25, entry 1). Noticeable, more-electron-rich benzyl amines favorate the cyclization reaction than electron-poor ones (Table 25, entries 2-5). Thus reaction of 1,5-pentanediol (0.5 mmol) and 4-methoxybenzylamine (0.5 mmol) under analogous conditions render 1-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-2,6-piperidinedione in 76% isolated yield after column (Table 25, entry 5).

TABLE 25 Synthesis of N-glutarimides derivates.

Conv Yield Entry Amine (%)^([a]) Glutarimide [%]^([b]) 1^([c])

99

72 2^([c])

99

50 3^([c])

99

57 4^([c])

99

52 5^([c])

99

76 6^([d])

99

60 ^([a])Conversions based on consumption of amine, determined by ¹H NMR and GC-MS with an internal standard (mesitylene). ^([b])Yields of isolated product. Reaction conditions: [Mn(PNNH)] (8 mol %), KH (16 mol %), 1,5-pentanediol (0.5 mmol), amine (0.5 mmol), internal standard (mesitylene, 0.5 mmol), toluene (4 mL), reflux, 40 hours.

Example 23 Synthesis of Manganese Complex 19-Mn(iPr-PN^(H)P)(CO)₂Br

To a solution of the iPr-PN^(H)P ligand 1 (268 mg, 0.73 mmol) in 5 mL THF was added under argon atmosphere an orange solution of Mn(CO)₅Br (200 mg, 0.73 mmol) in 10 mL THF and the reaction mixture was kept stirring at 90° C. for 12 h (Note: The argon atmosphere need to be removed occasionally in vacuo). The solution was filtered through a pad of Celite and the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The solid residue was washed with pentane (10 mL), which on drying gives a yellow solid. The yellow crude product was dissolved in toluene (15 mL), the solution was filtered and concentrated, layered with pentane and kept in the refrigerator to obtain mixture of orange and yellow crystals in 86% (348 mg) yield. ¹H NMR (C₆D₆, 400 MHz): δ=1.09 (b, 3H, CH₃), 1.21 (b, 12H, CH₃), 1.44 (b, 2H, PCH₂), 1.52 (b, 3H, CH₃), 1.64 (3H, CH₃), 1.83 (m, 3H, CH₃), 2.08 (NCH₂), 2.55 (br, NH), 2.25 (2H. —CH), 2.91 (1H, CH), 3.25 (2H, CH and CH₂Ar overlapped), 4.16 (1H, —CH₂Ar), 6.83 (1H, Ar), 7.02 (1H, Ar), 7.09 (1H, Ar), 7.38 (1H, Ar). ¹³{¹H} NMR (C₆D₆, 101 MHz): δ=18.6 (CH₃), 18.9 (CH₃), 19.2 (CH₃), 20.78 (CH₃), 23.7 (—CH₂P), 25 (CH), 29.2 (CH), 32.4 (CH), 55.4 (—CH₂N), 61.5 (d, J_(CP)=7.7 Hz, —CH₂Ar), 128.9 (Ar), 130.3 (d, J_(CP)=7.9 Hz, Ar), 131.9 (Ar), 140.8 (Ar). CO signals could not be found probably due to low concentration. ³¹P{¹H} NMR (C₆D₆, 162 MHz): δ=59.1 (d, ²J_(PP)=88 Hz,), 85.7 (d, ²J_(PP)=88 Hz). IR (thin film, NaCl)=1828 cm⁻¹ (ν_(CO)), 1913 cm⁻¹ (ν_(CO)), 3210 cm⁻¹ (ν_(N-H)). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₃H₃₉BrMnNO₂P₂: C, 49.48; H, 7.04; N, 2.51. Found: C, 50.53; H, 6.97; N, 2.01.

X-Ray Crystal Structure Determination:

Crystal data was measured at 100 K on a Bruker Apex-II Kappa CCD diffractometer equipped with [λ(Mo—Kα)=0.71073 Å] radiation, graphite monochromator and Mira Col optics. The data was processed with APEX-II collect package programs. Structures were solved (for ORTEP representation, see FIG. 21 ) by the AUTOSTRUCTURE module and refined with full-matrix least-squares refinement based on F2 with SHELXL-97.

TABLE 26 Selected bond lengths and bond angles of 19. Bond lengths [Å] Bond Angles [°] Br1—Mn1 2.5677(3)  P1—Mn1—P2 174.338(19) Mn1—N1 2.1372(13) N1—Mn1—P1 90.78(4)  Mn1—P1 2.3300(5)  C22—Mn1—P1 90.85(6)  Mn1—P2 2.3014(5)  C22—Mn1—N1 176.68(7)  Mn1—C23 1.7535(18) C23—Mn1—C22 86.34(8)  Mn1—C22 1.7818(17) N1—Mn1—Br1 84.12(4)  O1—C22 1.144(2)  N1—H1 1.0000  

Example 24 Synthesis of Manganese Complex 20-Mn(iPr-PN^(H)PN^(H)P)(CO)₂

In a glove box under N₂ atmosphere, a 20 mL oven-dried vial equipped with a stirring bar was charged with a yellow solution of Mn(iPr-PN^(H)P)(CO)₂Br (19) (100 mg, 0.179 mmol) in 10 mL THF. Then 0.179 mL of cold NaHBEt₃ solution (0.179 mmol, 1 M in THF) was added dropwise, turning the solution color to light red. The solution was kept stirring for another 15 min followed by filtration and solvent evaporation in vacuo. The resulting yellowish red residue was washed with a minimum amount of pentane (2 mL) and dried to obtain a solid, which was extracted with benzene, and the solution filtered through a syringe filter and the solvent removed in vacuo. The light yellow powder complex 20 was afforded (65 mg) in 88% yield.

¹H NMR (C₆D₆, 400 MHz): δ=−5.5 (t, ²J p=60.2 Hz, Mn—H), 1.07 (3H, CH₃), 1.15 (2H, PCH₂), 1.32 (CH₃), 1.62 (m, 3H, CH₃), 1.82 (m, 2H, NCH₂), 2.04-2.16 (CH), 2.33 (2H, —CH), 2.64 (CH and CH₂Ar overlapped), 3.62 (1H, —CH₂Ar), 6.59 (1H, Ar), 6.99 (m, 1H, Ar), 7.08 (1H, Ar, merged with solvent signal), 7.41 (1H, Ar). ¹³C{¹-NMR (C₆D₆, 101 MHz): δ=18.2 (CH₃), 18.6 (CH₃), 18.8 (CH₃), 19.04 (CH₃), 19.3 (CH₃), 19.5 (CH₃), 23.6 (PCH₂), 29.3 (m, CH), 32.6 (CH), 56.3 (—CH₂N), 65.8 (—CH₂Ar), 130.2 (Ar), 130.8 (Ar), 143.8 (1H, Ar), 231.9 (CO), 227.5 (CO). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (C₆D₆, 162 MHz): δ=91 (d, ²J_(PP)=57 Hz), 114 (d, ²J_(PP)=57 Hz). IR (thin film, NaCl)=1805 cm⁻¹ (ν_(CO)), 1879 cm⁻¹ (ν_(CO)), 3290 cm⁻¹ (ν_(N-H)). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₃H₄₀MnNO₂P₂: C, 57.62; H, 8.41; N, 2.92. Found: C, 58.30; H, 8.48; N, 2.52.

Example 25 Synthesis of Manganese Complex 18-(iPr-PNP)Mn(CO)₂

Under a nitrogen atmosphere, complex 19 (92 mg, 0.165 mmol), KOtBu (22 mg, 0.196 mmol) and 10 mL of pentane were charged in a vial equipped with a stirring bar. The color of the solution slowly changed to deep red. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 1 h at room temperature. Afterwards the solution was filtered through a pad of Celite and concentrated to 5 mL, filtered and kept in the refrigerator for several days. Deep red crystals of (iPr-PNP)Mn(CO)₂ 18 were obtained in 51% yield. Complex 18 is always accompanied by small amount of complex 21 and traces of complex 20. Moreover, complex 18 is very unstable and slowly transforms to complex 21 at room temperature after few hours (˜12 h) or heating at 110° C. for 30 min.

¹H NMR (C₆D₆, 400 MHz): δ=0.87 (PCH₂), 1.06-1.10 (6H, CH₃), 1.12-1.19 (12H, CH₃), 1.23-1.29 (6H, CH₃), 1.45-1.51 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.22-2.31 (m, 2H, CH), 2.67-2.76 (m, 2H, CH), 3.32-3.39 (m, 2H, NCH₂), 4.23 (s, 2H, —CH₂Ar), 7.02 (1H, Ar), 7.07 (m, 2H, Ar), 7.27-7.29 (1H, Ar). Due to instability of the complex ¹³C{(H} was measured with concentrated freshly prepared sample for 1 h. Selected ¹³C{¹H}NMR (C₆D₆, 125.7 MHz): δ=17.4 (CH₃), 17.6 (CH₃), 17.7 (CH₃), 18.2 (CH₃), 20.3 (d, J_(CP)=9.4 Hz, CH₂), 25.6 (d, J_(CP)=20.6 Hz, CH), 27.9 (d, J_(CP)=23.5 Hz CH), 68.3 (—CH₂Ar), 69.6 (—CH₂N), 125.7 (Ar), 128.8 (Ar), 129.3 (Ar), 130.9 (Ar). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (C₆D₆, 162 MHz): δ=67.5 (d, ²J_(PP)=93 Hz), 113.6 (d, ²J_(PP)=93 Hz). IR (thin film, NaCl)=1816 cm⁻¹ (ν_(CO)), 1887 cm⁻¹ (ν_(CO)). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₃H₃₈MnNO₂P₂: C, 57.86; H, 8.02; N, 2.93. Found: C, 57.79; H, 8.30; N, 2.45.

X-Ray Crystal Structure Determination:

Crystal data was measured at 100 K on a Bruker Apex-II Kappa CCD diffractometer equipped with [λ(Mo—Kα)=0.71073 Å] radiation, graphite monochromator and Mira Col optics. The data was processed with APEX-II collect package programs. Structures were solved (for ORTEP representation, see FIG. 22 ) by the AUTOSTRUCTURE module and refined with full-matrix least-squares refinement based on F2 with SHELXL-97.

TABLE 27 Selected bond lengths and bond angles of 18. Bond lengths [Å] Bond Angles [°] Mn1—N1 1.9021(14) P1—Mn1—P2 170.704(18) Mn1—P1 2.2885(5)  N1—Mn1—P1 83.39(4)  Mn1—P2 2.2665(5)  C22—Mn1—P1 89.10(5)  Mn1—C23 1.7687(17) C22—Mn1—N1 137.85(71)  Mn1—C22 1.7884(17) C23—Mn1—C22 87.89(8)  O1—C22 1.169(2)  N1—Mn1—C23 133.90(7)  O2—C23 1.173(2) 

Example 26 Synthesis of Manganese Complex 21-(iPr-PN^(H)P)Mn(CO)₂

The hydride complex (iPr-PN^(H)P)Mn(H)(CO)₂ (20) (10 mg) was dissolved in 0.5 mL THF in an oven-dried J-Young NMR tube under nitrogen atmosphere. The tube was taken out from the glove box and kept in a pre-heated (110° C.) oil bath. The ³¹P{¹H} NMR and ¹H NMR monitoring of the reaction solution over certain time interval revealed disappearance of the hydride signal. The appearance of new signals in the ³¹P{¹H} NMR indicated formation of a yellow-colored new product in quantitative yield after 5 h. Crystallization upon toluene/pentane or concentrated solution of pentane at −30° C. and X-ray structure determination showed formation of the C—H activated (iPr-PN^(H)P)Mn(CO)₂ (5) complex.

Alternative Procedure:

The amido complex 18 was heated at 110° C. for a few minutes (less than 30 min) in THF or stirred at room temperature in THF for a few hours (less than 12 h) to afford complex 21.

¹H NMR (C₆D₆, 400 MHz): δ=0.53 (1H, PCH₂), 0.73 (1H, PCH₂), 0.86-0.95 (3H, CH₃), 0.99-1.03 (CH₃), 1.07-1.11 (CH₃), 1.16-1.22 (m, 3H, CH₃), 1.29-1.37 (m, CH₃), 2.0 (NCH₂), 2.20 (benzylic CH), 2.38 (CH), 2.52-2.58 (CH), 6.97 (m, Ar), 7.1 (Ar, merged with solvent signal), 7.27 (Ar). ¹³C{¹H}NMR (C₆D₆, 101 MHz): δ=12.1 (CH₂), 17.0 (CH₃), 17.4 (CH₃), 17.5 (CH₃), 18.1 (CH₃), 18.7 (CH₃), 24.3 (m, CH), 26.9 (m, CH), 27.9 (m, CH), 50.0 (—CH₂N), 51.8 (—CHAr), 125.2 (Ar), 129.2 (Ar), 131.5 (1H, J_(CP)=18.3 Hz, Ar), 160 (J_(CP)=40 Hz, Ar), 231 (CO), 235 (CO). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (C₆D₆, 162 MHz): δ=103.5 (d, ²J_(PP)=73 Hz), 114.6 (d, ²J_(PP)=73 Hz). IR (thin film, NaCl)=1801 cm⁻¹ (ν_(CO)), 1881 cm⁻¹ (ν_(CO)), 3319 cm⁻¹ (ν_(N-H)).

X-Ray Crystal Structure Determination:

Crystal data were measured at 100 K on a Bruker Apex-II Kappa CCD diffractometer equipped with [λ(Mo—Kα)=0.71073 Å] radiation, graphite monochromator and Mira Col optics. The data was processed with APEX-II collect package programs. Structures were solved (for ORTEP representation, see FIG. 23 ) by the AUTOSTRUCTURE module and refined with full-matrix least-squares refinement based on F2 with SHELXL-97.

TABLE 28 Selected bond lengths and bond angles of 21. Bond lengths [Å] Bond Angles [°] Mn1—N1 2.0338(14) P1—Mn1—P2 171.830(19) Mn1—P1 2.2426(5)  N1—Mn1—P1 82.81(4)  Mn1—P2 2.2536(5)  C22—Mn1—P1 97.82(6)  Mn1—C23 1.7515(17) C22—Mn1—N1 114.51(7)  Mn1—C22 1.7817(18) C23—Mn1—C22 93.19(8)  O1—C22 1.169(2)  N1—Mn1—C3 41.66(6)  Mn1—C3 2.0695(17)

TABLE 29 Crystal data summary of 19, 18, and 21. 19 18 21 CCDC empirical formula C₉₉H₁₆₄Br₄Mn₄N₄O₈P₈ C₂₃H₃₈MnNO₂P₂ C₂₃H₃₈MnNO₂P₂ formula weight (g · mol⁻¹) 2325.49 477.42 477.42 temperature (K) 100(2) 100(2) 100(2) wavelength (Å) 0.71073 1.54184 0.71073 crystal system, space group Monoclinic, Orthorhombic, Orthorhombic, P2(1)/n Pbca Pbca a (Å) 16.6026(8) 12.04030 10.8362 b (Å) 16.7674(8) 14.79630 15.3484 c (Å) 20.1015(10) 26.9293 29.1295 α (deg) 90 90 90 β (deg) 104.689 90 90 γ (deg) 90 90 90 volume (Å³) 5413.0(5) 4797.51(6) 4844.8(4) Z, density (calcd) Mg · m⁻³) 2, 1.427 8, 1.322 8, 1.309 abs coefficient (mm⁻¹) 2.104 5.875 0.696 F(000) 2420 2032 2032 crystal size (mm³) 0.281 × 0.108 × 0.097 0.244 × 0.169 × 0.168 0.12 × 0.10 × 0.10 θ range (deg) for data collection 3.641 to 29.130 4.927 to 77.380 2.34 to 26.37 reflections collected 94338 45046 60849 reflections unique 14507/R_(int) = 0.0368 5091/R_(int) = 0.0514 4954/R_(int) = 0.0503 completeness to θ (%) 99.7 100 100 max/min transmission 0.987 and 0.970 0.975 and 0.968 0.9337 and 0.9212 data/restraints/parameters 14507/0/632 5091/1/270 4954/0/278 goodness-of-fit on F² 1.029 1.028 1.072 Final R₁ and wR₂ indices [I > 0.0264, 0.0602 0.0337, 0.0907 0,0295, 0.0669 2σ(I)] R₁ and wR₂ indices (all data) 0.0371, 0.0635 0.0351, 0.0917 0.0370, 0.0699 largest diff. peak and hole (e · Å⁻³) 0.963 and −0.709 0.296 and −0.656 0.403 and −0.211

Example 27 Synthesis of Formamides from Methanol and Amines Using the Manganese Catalyst of this Invention

Complex 20 was found to be catalytic in the dehydrogenative coupling of methanol and amines. Thus, reaction of 0.5 mmol of piperidine and complex 20 (2 mol %) in 1 ml of MeOH at 110° C. in a closed system resulted after 12 h in formation of N-formylpiperidine in 86% yield (Table 30, entry 1). The catalytic conditions of this reaction were further optimized, as represented in Table 30. Noteworthy, the reaction proceeds in the absence of any hydrogen acceptor. Analysis of the gas phase by GC indicated the formation of H₂. A small amount of N-methylpiperidine (13%) was also observed, as a result of reductive amination of formaldehyde intermediate with amine via hydrogen borrowing strategy.[D. van der Waals, L. E. Heim, C. Gedig, F. Herbrik, S. Vallazza, M. H. G. Prechtl, ChemSusChem 2016, 9, 2343-2347]. Therefore, it seemed that the N-methylation can be avoided by performing the reaction in an open system. However, when the reaction was carried out in an open system under reflux, N-formylpiperidine was observed in only 35% yield after 24h, possibly due to the lower temperature, along with an as yet unidentified product; as expected. N-methylation of piperidine was not observed (Table 30, entry 3). Next, the scope of this unprecedented base-metal catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling reaction of methanol was probed with different amines. As shown in Table 31, the cyclic secondary amine pyrrolidine was converted to 1-formylpyrrolidine in good yield (61%, Table 30, entry 2). Dehydrogenative coupling of morpholine with methanol gave 50% 4-morpholinecarboxaldehyde (Table 31, entry 3) after 24 h. Reaction of N-methylbenzylamine with methanol afforded the corresponding N-benzyl-N-methylformamide in 78% yield after 15 h (Table 31, entry 4). Exploring the scope further, dehydrogenative reactions of methanol with various substituted primary benzylamines were studied. Thus, reaction of methanol with benzylamine (14 h) afforded the corresponding N-benzylformamide in 70% yield (Table 31, entry 5). Dehydrogenative coupling of 4-methoxybenzylamine and 4-methylbenzylamine with methanol led to 67%, and 74% yields of N-(4-methoxybenzyl)formamide and N-(4-methylbenzyl)formamide, respectively (Table 30, entries 6 and 7). Reaction of methanol with benzylic amines bearing electron withdrawing groups in the para positions (p-Cl, p-F) afforded the corresponding N-4-chlorobenzylformamide (56%), N-4-fluorobenzylformamide (57%) in moderate yields (Table 31, entries 9-10). Dehydrogenative coupling of the less basic 4-trifluoromethylbenzylamine with methanol resulted in 71% yield of N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)formamide (Table 31, entry 8). The reaction of primary amines was not limited to benzyl amines. Reaction of methanol and cyclohexylamine furnished 66% yield of N-cyclohexylformamide (Table 31, entry 11). Similarly, 53% yield of N-(2-phenylethyl)formamide was obtained after 24 h heating of methanol and 2-phenethylamine (Table 30, entry 13). Butylamine gave N-butylformamide in good yield (64%, Table 31, entry 14). 1-naphthylmethylamine yielded N-(1-naphthmethyl)formamide in 62% yield after 15 h (Table 31, entry 12).

TABLE 30 Optimisation of the reaction conditions for N-formylation of piperidine using methanol catalyzed by 20:

Yield of MeOH Temp formamide Entry (mL) (° C.) Time (h) Conv.(%)^(b) (%)^(b) 1 1 110 12 99^(c) 86 2 1 110 5 99^(d) 37 3 1 Reflux 24 99^(e) 35 (open) 4 0.5 110 12 99  43 5 1 110 12  0 0

Conditions: piperidine (0.5 mmol), MeOH (1 mL), 20 (0.01 mmol), heated in an 100 mL closed Fischer Porter tube at 110° C. ^(b)Yields and conversions determined by GC or NMR analysis using toluene or m-xylene as internal standards. C₁₃% N-methylpiperidine formed. ^(d)Difference in conversion and yield indicated formation of N-methylpiperidine and an unidentified product. ^(e)Difference in conversion and yield indicated formation of an unidentified product. ^(f)The reaction was carried out without catalyst.

TABLE 31 N-formylation of amines using methanol catalyzed by 20

Time Yield Entry^(a) Amines Products (h) Conv (%) (%)^(b) 1

12 99 86 12 99  72^(c) 12 99  78^(d) 2

14 97 61 3

24 99 50 4

15 99 78 5

14 99 70 6

12 99 67 7

18 99 74 8

12 83 71 9

12 99 56 10

14 99 57 11

12 93 66 12 15 99 62 13

24 99 53 14

15 97 64 ^(a)Conditions: amines (0.5 mmol), MeOH (1 mL), 20 (0.01 mmol), heated in an 100 mL closed Fischer Porter tube at 110° C. ^(b)Yields and conversions determined by GC or NMR analysis using toluene or m-xylene as internal standards, and conversion based on amine consumption. ^(c)Complex 18 was used as catalyst. ^(d)Complex 20 was used as catalyst. Difference in yield and conversion indicates formation of N-methylated amine and also unidentified product.

Example 28 Proposed Mechanism for the Formation of Formamides

Freshly prepared complex (iPr-PNP)Mn(CO)₂ 18 (18 mg) was dissolved in 0.5 mL C₆D₆ giving a red solution. 2 equiv. of MeOH (3 μL) were added into the solution resulting in color change and instant disappearance of the ³¹P{¹H} NMR signals of the complex 18 and appearance of two new broad signals at 55.3 and 85.5 ppm. The obtained new species was assigned as the methoxy complex (iPr-PN^(H)P)Mn(CO)₂(OMe) 22. The ¹H NMR showed overlapping broad signals at room temperature indicating equilibrium between free methanol and metal bound methoxy group. Therefore variable temperature NMR experiments were carried out in toluene-d₈.

Procedure for the Low Temperature NMR Experiment in Toluene-d₈:

A solution of freshly prepared complex (iPr-PNP)Mn(CO)₂ 18 (10 mg) was dissolved in 0.5 mL toluene-d₈. The ¹H NMR spectrum was recorded at room temperature. Then 1 equiv. of MeOH (0.85 μL) was added into the solution and a slight color change was noticed. ¹H NMR measurement showed overlapping broad signals at room temperature. Then ¹H NMR and ³¹P{¹H} NMR measurements were carried out at low temperatures (FIG. 24 ). A sharp signal at δ=3.9 ppm in the ¹H NMR that appeared at −30° C. was attributed to the methoxy ligand of complex 22. A signal at δ=3.1 ppm was assigned to the methoxy group of free methanol.

A 1D NOE study was also carried out at −30° C. by selective irradiation of the signal at δ =3.9 ppm, showing NOE enhancement of the resonance at δ=3.1 ppm corresponding to free methanol.

The ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum at −30° C. revealed two sharp doublets at δ=57.1 (²J_(PP)=142 Hz) and 88.7 (²J_(PP)=142 Hz) ppm for complex 22 along with the signals of complex 20 and 21. (FIG. 26 )

An attempt to isolate complex 22 by removing the solvent in vacuo resulted in regeneration of the amido complex 18, free ligand and a small amount of an as yet unidentified product (³¹P{¹H} NMR (THF)=71 ppm, 96 ppm).

Reaction of Complex 21 with Methanol:

Complex 21 (10 mg) was dissolved in 1 mL MeOH and kept stirring for 3 h. The ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum showed appearance of broad signals at 55.3 and 85.5 ppm attributed to the formed methoxy complex 22.

When complex 21 was heated at 100° C. for 30 min in MeOH partial formation of the hydrido complex 20 was observed initially, and after 1 h 20 and 21 converted to the methoxy complex 22. However, in this case when the MeOH solvent was removed in vacuo the ³¹P{¹H} NMR in THF revealed the signals of an unidentified product at 71 ppm and 96 ppm as the major product.

Reaction of the Amido Complex 18 with 1 Equiv. CD₃OD in Toluene:

A solution of freshly prepared amido complex (iPr-PNP)Mn(CO)₂ 18 (10 mg) was dissolved in 0.5 mL of toluene in a J Young NMR tube. Then 1 equiv. of CD₃OD (0.85 μL) was added and the NMR tube was shaken vigorously. A ²H NMR spectrum recorded at room temperature showed a broad signal at δ=3.2 ppm. Conducting the ²H NMR measurement at low temperature (−30° C.) showed the splitting of the broad signal to two signals at 3.9 ppm (attributed to metal bound OCD₃ ligand) and at δ=3.1 ppm (assigned to free CD₃OD (FIG. 25 )). The N-D signal of the formed complex was not observed, probably due to overlap with the signals of OCD₃ or free CD₃OD.

To gain insight into the mechanism of the manganese catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of methanol and amines, the amine complex 19 was reacted with 1.2 equiv. tBuOK in pentane at room temperature, forming deep red crystals, of the amido species 18 (FIG. 27 ) and the structure was confirmed by X-diffraction studies (FIG. 27 and Example 25). Employing the freshly prepared amido complex 18 (2 mol %) as a catalyst in the dehydrogenative coupling reaction of methanol and piperidine at 110° C. yielded 72% of N-formylpiperidine after 12h (Table 30, entry 1, second row). However, complex 18 turned out to be unstable at room temperature (stable at −30° C. for several hours) and transformed to the thermodynamically more stable light yellow metallated complex 21 (FIG. 27 ) at room temperature in less than 12 h or upon heating at 110° C. just for 30 min. Thus, intramolecular C—H activation took place, involving cooperation between the metal center and the amido ligand of 18. Heating complex 20 at 110° C. in THF also resulted in formation of complex 21 (FIG. 27 ) and its structure was confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study and by detailed NMR spectroscopic studies (Example 26). Complex 21 was found active in the catalysis of dehydrogenative coupling reaction giving 78% of N-formylpiperidine after 12 h (Table 30, entry 1, third row).

Significantly, treatment of 18 with methanol (2 equiv.) in C₆D₆ at room temperature showed instant formation of a new complex which exhibited broad signals in the ¹H NMR spectrum, and two broad ³¹P{¹H} NMR signals at δ=55 ppm and 85 ppm. Conducting the experiment in toluene-d₈ with 1 equiv. of methanol at −30° C. showed ³¹P NMR two sharp doublet signals at δ=57.1 (²J_(PP)=142 Hz) and 88.7 (²J_(PP)=142 Hz) ppm, attributable to the methoxy complex 22, and in the ¹H NMR spectrum a sharp signal at 3.9 assigned to the resonance of a proton of the attached methoxy ligand. Another sharp minor signal at 3.1 ppm overlapping with other signals was observed due to free methanol. Upon irradiation of the signal at δ=3.9 ppm (1D NOE study) NOE showed enhancement of the resonances at 3.1 ppm, indicating exchange with free methanol. ²H NMR of the reaction of the amido complex 18 with 1 equiv. CD₃OD at −30° C. exhibited signals at δ=3.8 and 3.1 ppm (see ESI) for the coordinated methoxy ligand and free methanol. The N-D signal was not detected, likely due to overlap with CD₃O signals. Thus, these observations represent a rare direct observation on alkoxy intermediate in O—H activation by an amido-amine metal ligand cooperation. However, complex 22 turned out to be unstable, and removal of solvent regenerates the amido complex 18 along with a small amount of free ligand and an unidentified product showing in ³P{¹H} NMR signals at 71 and 96 ppm. Complex 21 requires excess methanol and longer reaction time (3 h) at room temperature to form the methoxy complex 22. In addition, when complex 21 was heated in methanol at 100° C., partial formation of the hydrido complex 20 was observed after 30 min, and after 1 h, it converted to the methoxy complex 22.

With these experimental results, there was a high importance in elucidating whether or not the benzylic CH group was involved in H₂ liberation in the actual catalytic transformation. Therefore, DFT calculations at the SMD(MeOH)-TPSS-D3BJ/def2-TZVPP//BP86-D3/def2-SV(P) level of theory were performed (FIG. 28 ). In agreement with the experimental results, 21 is predicted to be thermodynamically more stable than 18 by 9.7 kcal/mol. Reaction of 18 or 21 with methanol gives rise to the methoxy complex 22. H-abstraction from the methoxy ligand via ß-hydride elimination requires dissociation of the NH group and the formation of the agostic intermediate 23. This is due to the fact that by relaxed potential energy surface scans, no barrier for the methanol addition to 18 or 21 with respect to the separated reactants could be identified. A barrier resulting from solvent reorganization effects, intractable by DFT computations, cannot be excluded. Formaldehyde and the hydrido complex 20 is generated by this ß-hydride elimination via a barrier of 11.6 kcal/mol with respect to 18 and the free methanol. H₂ liberation from 20 involving 2 methanol molecules as proton shuttle requires only a low activation energy (8.1 kcal/mol with respect to 18). In contrast, a transition state for H₂ liberation involving the benzylic CH group is found to be higher in energy (41.8 kcal/mol with respect to 18). According to the computations, this transition state cannot be stabilized by additional methanol molecules, most likely due to the fact that the benzylic CH group is not capable of hydrogen bond formation to the methanol molecules. The formed formaldehyde reacts with the amine to generate a hemiaminal, which in another catalytic cycle liberates hydrogen to give the formamide (FIG. 28 ).

In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that N-formyl amines were formed by acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of alcohol and amine, catalyzed by a base-metal catalyst. The reaction proceeds at low temperature under homogeneous conditions, without any additives using the catalysts of the invention.

While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A manganese complex represented by a structure of formula I or its isomer or salt thereof:

wherein L¹ is (PR^(a)R^(b)); L² is (PR^(a)R^(b)); L³ is CO; L⁴ is CO; L⁵ is absent or CO; Z represents zero, one, two or three substituents wherein each such substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl, alkylheteroaryl, halogen, nitro, amide, ester, cyano, alkoxy, alkylamino, arylamino, an inorganic support and a polymeric moiety; or Z forms a fused aromatic or heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen based ring; R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheterocyclyl or alkylheteroaryl.
 2. The complex of claim 1, L³ and L⁴ are CO and Z is zero substituents.
 3. The complex of claim 1, wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl and benzyl.
 4. The complex of claim 3, wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are tert butyl or iso-propyl, or wherein said complex is represented by the structure of formula (1):

or formula (2):


5. A catalytic process for preparing an imine comprising dehydrogenative coupling of an alcohol of the formula RCH₂OH and an amine of the formula R¹NH₂:

wherein R is an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; R¹ is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; wherein said process comprising the step of reacting said alcohol and said amine in the presence of the manganese complex according to claim 1, thereby generating an imine.
 6. The process of according to claim 5, wherein said alcohol is selected from the group consisting of: ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, n-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 4-fluoro benzyl alcohol, 4-chloro-benzyl alcohol, 3-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 3,4-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 4-methoxy benzyl alcohol, 1-phenylethanol, and cyclohexane methanol; said amine is selected from the group consisting of cyclohexanamine, 2-phenylethanamine, (4-methoxyphenyl)methanamine, (4-fluorophenyl)methanamine phenylmethanamine and hexan-1-amine; and said complex is a complex of formula (1), or (2) :


7. A catalytic process for C—C bond formation via Michael addition of unactivated nitriles of the formula R²CH₂CN; wherein said process comprises reacting an unactivated nitrile of formula R²CH₂CN and a Michael acceptor in the presence of the manganese complex according to claim 1; thereby generating a new C—C bond; wherein said Michael acceptor is α, β unsaturated carbonyl, and wherein said process comprises reacting an unactivated nitriles of the formula R²CH₂CN and a Michael acceptor of the formula R³C(R⁴)═C(R⁵)EWG:

wherein R² is H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl; and R³, R⁴ and R⁵ are each independently selected from H, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy (O-alkyl), aryloxy (O-aryl), aryl, alkylaryl or heterocyclyl or R³ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring; or R⁴ and R⁵ form a cyclic ring; or R³ and R⁴ form a cyclic ring; wherein EWG is an electron withdrawing group comprising C(═O)R, C(═O)OR′ SO₂R′, CON(R)₂, NO₂ or CN, wherein R is H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl; and R′ is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl.
 8. The process according to claim 7, wherein said Michael acceptor is ethyl acrylate, but-3-en-2-one, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, cyclohex-2-enone or methyl but-2-enoate, and/or said complex is the complex of formula (1), or (2) :


9. A catalytic process for hydrogenation of an ester to an alcohol wherein said process comprises reacting an ester, and a complex of claim 1, in the presence of hydrogen; wherein said complex reacts with said ester to obtain an alcohol; wherein said ester is a lactone or an ester of formula R⁷C(O)OR⁸; wherein R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; and R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; and/or said ester of formula R⁷C(O)OR⁸ is hydrogenated to R₇CH₂OH; and/or R⁸OH is further obtained.
 10. A catalytic process for the preparation of esters by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols, said process comprises reacting an alcohol, and a complex of claim 1; wherein said complex reacts with said alcohol to obtain an ester wherein said alcohol is a primary alcohol, a secondary alcohol or a dialcohol; wherein said reaction of dialcohols yields a lactone or a polyester.
 11. A catalytic process for the preparation of amides by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines, said process comprises reacting an alcohol and an amine, in the presence of a complex of claim 1; wherein said amine is a primary amine or a secondary amine or a diamine; or wherein said amine and alcohol is an aminoalcohol compound and said amidation product is a lactam; or wherein said amine is a diamine; said alcohol is a dialcohol and said amidation product is a polyester or polyamide.
 12. A catalytic process for the preparation of amides comprising reacting an ester and an amine, in the presence of a complex of claim 1; to obtain an amide, wherein said ester is a lactone or an ester of formula R⁷C(O)OR⁸; wherein R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of H, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; and R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl; and/or said amine is a primary amine or a secondary amine. 